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Thai Peanuts and Bananas


Thai Peanuts and Bananas

peanut butter and bananas on fire

Well, not literally on fire…but this baby’s sure to tickle your tongue!  Count on Oriental Wok’s Thai Peanut Sauce to take one of nature’s sweetest treats to a whole other level.  Sweet and spicy is always a good way to go.


cooking information

  • Yield: Dessert for 12
  • Prep Time: 5-10 Minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 1 Cup Oriental Wok's Thai Peanut Sauce
  • 1/2 Cup Honey Roasted Peanuts
  • 3 Bananas

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your ingredients. Peel your bananas; halve completely width-wise and then slice each half length-wise. Coarsely chop your peanuts.

2. Assemble the bananas on your serving platter cut side up. Spoon Thai Peanut Sauce over bananas.

3. Sprinkle peanuts over top.

4. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Thai Peanut sauce is so good because of it's creamy texture and amazing flavor with a touch of heat. It pairs well with any fresh fruit especially bananas. The sweetness from the honey-roasted peanuts make it perfect.
  • This is a fun dessert for last-minute guests. Always keep a jar of peanut sauce in your refrigerator and you will be set!
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Volcano Buttercream Icing


Volcano Buttercream Icing

take sweet and spicy to a whole new level

You’ve heard of molten lava cake, but have you ever even thought turn your brownie into a volcano?  Do it.  You will not be disappointed.  And it truly will be the fireworks to end your meal.


cooking information

  • Yield: 4 Cups
  • Prep Time: 5 Minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 1 Large Jar Cream Cheese Icing
  • 1 Large Jar Vanilla Frosting
  • 1 Cup Oriental Wok's Volcano Sauce

recipe instruction

1. Add your frostings and volcano sauce to a large mixing bowl.

2. Using your electric beaters, blend until evenly combined.

3. Ice on top of your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • The Volcano Sauce is great because the sweetness works well with the spiciness, but it is mainly used as a savory condiment. There are flavors that become super potent if you make this too far in advance, particularly garlic. I recommend making the icing just before serving it, not too far in advance.
  • We served this on top of rich chocolate cupcakes, with coarsely chopped candied ginger right on top. It would also be good served over brownies or any other rich dessert.
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Volcano Pork Tenderloin


Volcano Pork Tenderloin

put a little kick in it

Two ingredients and tons of flavor.  Turn your dinner plate into a party for your mouth.  Doctor up “the other white meat” with the rockin’ flavor of one of Oriental Wok’s signature sauces with this super simple recipe.


cooking information

  • Yield: 10-12 Entree Portions
  • Prep Time: 5 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 Minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 2 Pork Tenderloins
  • 1 Jar Oriental Wok's Volcano Sauce

recipe instruction

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

2. Place your pork tenderloins in a roasting pan.

3. Empty the sauce over the pork tenderloin and rub over all sides of the pork tenderloins.

4. Place the pork tenderloins in the oven and let cook 35 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 155 degrees.

5. After the pork is finished cooking, remove from the oven and let rest 5-10 minutes. Once they have rested, slice and serve hot.

cooking tips

  • We served this on the end of a fork with a poached egg and chopped parsley and chives on top. You can turn this into a meal by serving it on top rice with the extra sauce drizzled over top.
  • If you are serving this for a party, you can par-cook it for 30 minutes and then let it rest. Before the guests come, place the pork back in the oven and finish cooking another 10 minutes. Amazingly good and won't be dry at all.
  • This is recipe is super easy. If you aren't a big fan of spicy sauces, substitute with any of your favorite Oriental Wok's sauces.
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Aunt Edie’s Pizzelle


Aunt Edie’s Pizzelle

light and crispy treat

This is the recipe that’s launched a million Italian press cookies.  Typically pizzelle are flavored with anise, but, for whatever reason, our Aunt Edie used orange zest.  Play with them as garnish or layering pieces for all sorts of desserts.  You can even make them savory with this recipe for Basil-Infused Pizzelle.


cooking information

  • Yield: 60+ Cookies
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 Minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 3 Eggs
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
  • Zest of 1 Orange
  • 1/2 Cup Butter, Melted
  • 2 Cups Flour
  • ¼ Teaspoon Salt

recipe instruction

1. Beat eggs slightly with a fork in a large mixing bowl.

2. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the sugar, vanilla, orange zest, and melted butter.

3. Finally, stir in the flour and salt. Preheat your pizzelle iron.

4. Using two spoons, drop about 1 tablespoon of dough onto the center of each iron, close and press the handles down as tightly as possible so that the cookies are very thin. Then, after a few seconds of holding it down, release and let the cookie finish cooking to give them their brownness. It’ll take between 30-60 seconds total for the cookie to cook.

5. To help remove the cookie from underneath the iron, just scrape underneath with a butter knife to loosen. Let the cookies cool on paper towels and store in tins.

cooking tips

  • You need a pizzelle iron or press from this recipe. You can pick them up at all major kitchen supply shops, some Italian markets, or here at Shop CWC.
  • The orange zest can be substituted with just ¼ cup of orange juice, 1 Tb of almond flavoring, or the more traditional anise flavoring.
  • For fun presentation, while they are still hot, press into small muffin tins and create miniature bowls or roll them up to make homemade tiny ice cream cones.
  • These cookies store for up to 1 month in an air-tight container. They make great presents but are amazingly fragile.
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Polenta Fries


Polenta Fries

cornmeal’s higher calling

This recipe certainly is a delicious treat all on its own, but it’s also a wonderful use of leftovers.  Once the pieces are fried, serve them alongside several toppings.  Allow guests to choose from the brilliant colors and dazzling tastes of Roasted Walnut Pesto, Buttercup Mustard, and Homemade Creamy Italian Dressing.


cooking information

  • Yield: Side for 4
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Spread your prepared polenta onto a greased cookie sheet. Let rest until firm, approximately an hour or more.

2. Cut your polenta into desired shapes. Circles, squares, sticks, wedges.

3. To cook, preheat an inch-deep of oil in a large sauté pan to high heat.

4. Dredge each piece of polenta in flour. Dust any extra flour off.

5. Once the pieces are covered in flour, drop into your hot oil. Let fry for 1-2 minutes per side. Flip and finish frying the other side.

6. When each side is crisped up, remove from the oil and let rest on paper towels to drain any extra oil. Let cool a minute and serve.

cooking tips

  • This is a great use for leftover Shrimp and Grits too. At the end of your meal, spread out the remaining grits to allow them to firm up. Decorate the fried pieces with any leftover shrimp, minced.
  • Left over polenta? Spread out on a greased cookie sheet and let sit for a couple hours. Cut into your favorite shapes, dredge in flour and fry in a shallow pan of hot oil. Delicious!!
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Sweet Italian Sausage Burger


Sweet Italian Sausage Burger

sausage and eggs as a burger

You just might be thinking of breakfast by now…  Well, while this sandwich is yummy enough to eat for every meal in your day, it’s well suited for lunch and dinner.  It combines the classic flavors of sausage and eggs in a 4-ounce burger.  The marinara that cooks the eggs and crowns the sandwich is what makes it different, and extra delicious. 


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 Minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 3 Pounds Ground Pork
  • 1 Tablespoon Ground Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 Tablespoons Whole Fennel Seeds
  • 3 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 6 Cups Marinara Sauce
  • 12 Eggs
  • 12 Dinner Rolls

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your grill, and your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Pour your marinara sauce into a small roasting pan. Crack all 12 of your eggs into the marinara sauce. Try not to let the eggs touch each other or the sides because they'll stick. Place in the oven and let cook approximately 20 minutes.

3. In a mixing bowl combine your pork, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, and salt. Mix together until evenly combined. Form into 12 equal patties.

4. Once your burgers are formed, place on the grill and let cook approximately 7 minutes on the first side. Once there is a nice crust and the burgers are half-way finished cooking, flip and let finish cooking another 3-4 minutes.

5. After 15 minutes have passed, check on your eggs. They will turn white and become firm when they are finished. Check every 5 minutes until they are finished cooking.

6. When everything is finished cooking, assemble your sandwiches. First, place your burger on the sliced bun, then spoon onto the burger a baked egg and a little additional sauce. Top with the bun, serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • This recipe reminds me of some of the breakfasts I would have growing up. Everything tastes better with an egg on top, and a meal isn't perfect until it's served with marinara sauce and a little sausage.
  • Always cook with your favorite marinara sauce. I like to use my mom's recipe but if you don't have a family recipe you can always use one of the large jars of your favorite sauces from the store.
  • If you like things a little bit spicier, you can always more red pepper flakes. To make sure the burger will be flavored just as you like it, you can always make a little nugget and sear it off in a frying pan before cooking all of the burgers.
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Bleu Cheese Cream Sauce


Bleu Cheese Cream Sauce

get the best from bleu cheese

If you are a bleu cheese-lovin’ fool like myself, this creamy little design on it will make your taste buds sing.  If you’re not so sure about it, however, this sauce is a great way to dip your toe in the bleu cheese waters.  The cream really makes milder the flavor bleu cheese, and the sauciness cuts through any texture issues you may suffer.  For the love of cheese—whoever you are—you’ve got to try it!


cooking information

  • Yield: 2 1/2 Cups
  • Prep Time: 2 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 Minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Cup Whole Milk
  • 1 Cup Blue Cheese (whatever is your personal favorite), crumbled

recipe instruction

1. Add your cream, milk, and bleu cheese to a small sauce pot.

2. Turn to medium-low heat, continually stirring. You just want the cheese to melt and the cream to come to a boil.

3. Once the cream comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let it cool down.

4. Store in an air-tight container and serve over everything.

cooking tips

  • I like this sauce to be a little thinner than one might expect. If you are looking for a thicker sauce, you can always let it cook and reduce more. Just make sure to continue stirring so it doesn't burn the bottom of the pan.
  • This sauce is amazing over the Oriental Wok's General Wong Burger but it is also amazing over baked potatoes, grilled chicken, or, simply tossed with pasta and fresh veggies.
  • I have made this sauce with classic bleu cheese wedges, crumbles, and even a Brie-and-Bleu-Cheese combination.
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Oriental Wok’s General Wong Burger


Oriental Wok’s General Wong Burger

make way for the General

Infuse your family dinner with a little Asian flare with this burger showcasing the intensely delicious flavor of Oriental Wok’s General Wong’s Sauce.  The creamy sauce and the spicy onion make this one sandwich that is General-ly perfect.


cooking information

  • Yield: About 12 Sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-15 Minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your grill.

2. To a mixing bowl, add your ground beef and General Wong Sauce. Mix together until evenly combined. Form into 12 equal patties.

3. Place your burgers on the grill. Let cook approximately 7 minutes on the first side. Once they get a good crust and are half-way cooked, flip and let finish on the second side (approximately 4 minutes).

4. After your burgers are cooked to your preferred doneness, remove from the grill and let rest.

5. To assemble your sandwiches, place your burger on the bottom of the bun, top with Hot Pickled Onions and a spoonful of the Bleu Cheese Cream Sauce. Finish with the top of the bun, serve and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • If you can't find Oriental Wok's General Wong's Sauce, you can either order it online at the link, or you can substitute any Asian sauce that is earthy, a little salty, and a bit spicy.
  • Because this is a beef burger you don't have to worry as much about it being completely cooked throughout the burger; cook to taste.
  • I love the General Wong sauce because it complements the flavor of the beef. The red onions add texture, zip, and spice, and the sauce adds moisture and richness. It is all amazingly good!
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Cordon Bleu Burger


Cordon Bleu Burger

a casual spin on a go-to classic

Of course, we are all familiar with the classic ham-and-swiss-stuffed chicken cordon bleu.  Pan-fried and baked, it is a lovely marriage of crispiness and creaminess and heartiness.  It also happens to be extremely time-consuming.  Not very realistic for a weeknight dinner with the family. 

This burger is.  It combines all the textures and flavors of the classic chicken dish and serves them up in an easy-to-prepare even-eaiser-to-eat burger.  Make some for your fam tonight.


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 Minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 3 Pounds Ground Pork
  • 1/2 Cup Dijon Mustard
  • 2 Tablespoons Whole Green Peppercorns
  • 3 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 1 1-inch-thick Slab Swiss Cheese (cut into 12 equal cubes)
  • 12 Dinner Rolls
  • 1 Bag Wavy Chips, Sour Cream and Green Onion-Flavored

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your grill.

2. Add the Dijon mustard and green peppercorns to your food processor. Blend until your peppercorns are ground. If there isn't enough liquid in the food processor to blend, you can thin it down, a little at a time, with some water. Once your peppercorns are ground, set aside.

3. To a mixing bowl, add your ground pork, Dijon peppercorn mixture, and salt. Mix together until evenly combined. Form into 12 equal patties.

4. Next, add a hunk of Swiss cheese to the center of each burger by first creating a well in each burger. Add the cheese and then form the burger around the cheese. Make sure that there isn't any cheese visible and that there isn't a thick seam where the cheese was added. Once the cheese is in the center of the burgers, transfer them to the hot grill.

5. Let the burgers cook on the first side for approximately 6-7 minutes, or until a crust is formed on the bottom of the burger. Flip the burgers and let finish cooking another 3-4 minutes. Make sure the sides of the burger are completely cooked through because they will be the thickest portion of the patty. After they are fully cooked, remove from the grill and let rest.

6. To assemble the burgers, add a big potato chip to the bottom of the roll. Then add your burger, top with another chip, and finish with the top of the roll. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • This burger is a fun play on the classic chicken cordon blue which is traditionally a chicken breast stuffed with sliced ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and then fried. Instead of chicken we are using ground pork and instead of breading and frying we use the potato chips for crunch.
  • Flavors are, of course, important when it comes to cooking, but you also need to consider texture. A dish isn't as great if it's all moosh. I like to add either fresh vegetables or potato chips for crunch on my sandwiches. Not only is it a great surprise but it's an easy way to add more flavor.
  • Green peppercorns can be easily found in the grocery store in the jarred herbs and spices. There are also pickled green peppercorns in fancier grocery stores. Whatever you find first, and is the most affordable for you, is great. The pickled just has a softer texture and a little bit more tang but both are good eats.
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Roasted Garlic Butter


Roasted Garlic Butter

butter made better

In this world of “butter” sprays and powders, it’s hard to believe that anything could make good ol’ fashioned creamy butter better.  I am here to tell you—roasted garlic can make it better.  It won’t sit atop your pancakes, but it will be perfect just about anywhere else you could think to lump it.  Toss into a pound of hot pasta, on either side of a simple grilled cheese, or on a hunk of crusty bread.


cooking information

  • Yield: 1 Cup
  • Prep Time: 2 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 2 Large Heads Garlic
  • 2 Sticks Unsalted Butter
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Slice the top off the heads of your garlic. Make sure you don't completely slice it in half lengthwise; just cut them enough to expose each of the cloves.

3. Place your heads of garlic on a large square of tin foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold the tin foil up so the all of the garlic is covered and there is no way for the olive oil to be released. Place in your preheated oven.

4. Let your garlic cook for 40-45 minutes. You can either check to see if they are finished by opening it up and seeing the garlic or by simply squeezing the garlic and making sure it's tender.

5. After your garlic is cooked, remove from the oven and let rest 15-20 minutes, or until it has cooled.

6. Add your 2 sticks of butter to a food processor. Next, holding your cooled roasted garlic, squeeze the cloves from the bulb. Blend together until evenly combined.

7. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator until ready for use.

cooking tips

  • This recipe is just great to have to learn how to make roasted garlic. Simply serve roasted garlic -- all by itself -- with a butter knife on crusty bread (to people you know and love who won't mind smelling like garlic together).
  • I like to put this roasted garlic butter on my Linguica Sausage Burger. You could easily but it in between a loaf of crusty bread with some fresh basil and grated Parmesan for amazing homemade garlic bread. Or, you could melt the roasted garlic butter and toss it into your popcorn.
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Linguica Sausage Burger


Linguica Sausage Burger

a smoky sweet sensation

As Kelly always says, our burgers are only “burgers” in that they’re shaped that way.  This one really proves that.  My design on the traditional Portuguese sausage, below, is served on a bun like a burger, but it will knock your socks off unlike an beef patty has done before.  Enjoy.


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-15 Minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Pounds Ground Pork
  • 3 Tablespoons Paprika
  • 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Cayenne
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Coriander
  • 3/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 3/4 Teaspoon Clove
  • 3/4 Teaspoon Allspice
  • 3/4 Teaspoon Fresh Ground Pepper
  • 1/4 Cup Marsala Wine
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
  • 1 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
  • Sautéed Peppers and Onions
  • 12 Dinner Rolls
  • Roasted Garlic Butter

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your grill.

2. Add your ground pork, paprika, salt, cayenne, coriander, cinnamon, clove, allspice, pepper, Marsala, vinegar, and liquid smoke to a large mixing bowl. Mix together until evenly combined.

3. Form into 12 equal patties. Place on an uncovered hot grill and let cook approximately 7 minutes on the first side.

4. Once the patty has created a great crust and it appears to be half-way cooked up the sides, flip and let finish cooking another 3-4 minutes.

5. Once the burgers are completely cooked through, assemble your sandwiches. First, smear the bottom of your sliced roll with the roasted garlic butter. Add your cooked burger, sautéed pepper and onions, and top with the roll.

6. Serve and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • Add as much cayenne as you want. Cayenne is only used for heat, so if you are afraid of spiciness add less; if you like it spicy, add a whole tablespoon.
  • Marsala is a port wine that you can find in most grocery stores in the wine department. If you aren't interested in buying a whole bottle of wine just for this recipe, you can buy the imitation Marsala wine that can usually be found in the baking aisles. Also Sherry wine can be substituted for Marsala.
  • This recipe is great with ground pork but you can always substitute ground chicken or turkey instead.
  • Also, if you aren't a big fan of grilling you can always cook these in a pan or simply bake them at 400 degrees for approximately 8 minutes or so (depending on how thick you make your burgers).
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Homemade Caesar Dressing


Homemade Caesar Dressing

bottled dressing be gone!

Once you’ve made Caesar dressing yourself, it will be hard to go back to the bottle in your fridge.  From the sweet smell of roasted garlic to the salty bite of the fried rice sauce we used here, you cannot go wrong with this sauce.  Enjoy your favorite salad in a whole new way.


cooking information

  • Yield: 1 Cup
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes

recipe ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 450.

2. Cut off just the top of the garlic so you are exposing each clove. Place on a square of tin foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Completely wrap in tin foil and place in the oven for 45 minutes.

3. After the garlic is tender, remove from the oven and let cool 10-15 minutes.

4. Once the garlic has cooled, add your egg yolks, roasted garlic, Oriental Wok's Fried Rice Sauce, and fresh lemon juice to a food processor. Blend together.

5. While leaving the blade going slowly pour 3/4 cup of olive oil into the blender.

6. When it's all completely combined remove from the food processor and store in an air tight container in the refrigerator until service.

cooking tips

  • Classic Ceasar dressing includes anchovies. Oriental Wok's Fried Rice Sauce substitutes the earthiness and salt content of the fish.
  • When we served it we drizzled it over quartered endive lettuce with toasted panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan over top. It was amazingly delicious with a fun twist.
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Roasted Potatoes


Roasted Potatoes

just a simple as can be

These are so darn easy and delicious you may find yourself making them nearly every night.  You can do that, certainly.  Or, make an extra large batch at the beginning of the week and reuse them throughout the rest.  Enjoy beside Balsamic Beef Tenderloin on Sunday, warmed and tossed in a creamy Sriracha sauce for Spicy Potato Salad beside a burger on Monday, and beneath a fried egg and crumbled sausage for Morning After Hash on Tuesday. 

On Wednesday, you let us know how you doctored ‘em up.


cooking information

  • Yield: 4 Servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes

recipe ingredients

  • 2 Pounds Baby Red or Golden Potatoes
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

2. Clean your potatoes. Slice into quarters and place in a large roasting pan.

3. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the potatoes.

4. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until all sides of potatoes are coated and seasoned.

5. Place your potatoes in the oven and let cook for 35 minutes.

6. The potatoes are finished cooking when they are golden brown on the sides and are cooked through and tender. To tell if the potatoes are tender, stick a sharp knife in the middle of one. If the potato slides off, it is finished cooking.

7. After the potatoes are finished cooking, remove from the oven and let cool a bit. Eat while warm and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • This is a classic basic recipe that can be used with homemade ketchup, with a nice family dinner, or with a juicy steak. Also this works for big red potatoes, fingerling, or any other roasting potatoes. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of potato.
  • For something fun you can add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, or turnips, and roast them together for different flavors. The only thing you need to make sure is that everything is cut uniformly so they will be finished cooking at the same time.
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Oriental Wok Sweet & Sour Ketchup


Oriental Wok Sweet & Sour Ketchup

ketchup with kick, baby!

We served this first as a way to showcase one of the most popular of the Oriental Wok bottled sauces, Sweet & Sour.  We filled a small shot glass with it, and topped it with crispy Roasted Potatoes.  Of course, as happens so often, I have since worked it into many other recipes; I add it for a sweet little kick whenever I can.  The kiddos love it too.


cooking information

  • Yield: About 1 Cup
  • Prep Time: 5 Minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Add your tomato paste, Oriental Wok's Sweet and Sour Sauce, and vinegar to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until everything is evenly combined and there are no chunks of tomato paste.

2. Now, slowly add water until it's the thickness you like.

3. Next, season to taste. Start with a teaspoon of kosher salt and then add a pinch more at a time until its as flavorful as you want it.

4. Finally, if you want a more ketchup, you can add a little more vinegar.

5. Once it tastes how you like, store in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Keeps for 1-2 weeks.

cooking tips

  • Classic store-bought ketchup, if eaten by itself, is smooth and a little salty, and hits you on the sides of your mouth. That sensation is from the vinegar. If that is something you love, you might add a little more vinegar.
  • If you don't have Oriental Wok Sweet & Sour Sauce, you can substitute granulated sugar. Start with 2 Tablespoons and add more to taste.
  • To make fun flavor variations you could add one pureed chipotle pepper for spicy flavor, fresh herbs, like rosemary, for an earthier flavor, or your own special ingredient for a unique concoction.
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Savory Beer Bread Pudding


Savory Beer Bread Pudding

eat your pudding first

Think outside the sandwich next time you come upon a new flavor of artisan bread.  Right away, or even after it’s gone stale, turn your favorite bread into this savory pudding.  Serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Serve it with some crispy bacon, beside a lump of Smoked Chicken Salad, or underneath crumbled sausage with a fried egg on top.


cooking information

  • Yield: 24 Servings
  • Prep Time: 30 Minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30-60 Minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Cups Cream
  • 1 Sprig Fresh Rosemary
  • 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Clove Garlic, smashed
  • 18 Ounces Beer (use your favorite brand)
  • 12 Extra Large Eggs
  • 2 Loaves Artisan Bread
  • 1/2 Cup Crumbled Goat Cheese
  • Salt/ Pepper
  • Non-stick spray

recipe instruction

1. To a small sauce pot, add your cream, garlic clove, thyme, and rosemary. Turn to high heat and cook until the cream is scalded (begins to bubble to the top). Once the cream has bubbled to the top, turn off the heat and let cool.

2. While your cream is cooling, cut your bread into medium-size croutons.

3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish with your nonstick spray.

4. Add the crumbled goat cheese to the bread and toss together so all of the flavors of bread and the goat cheese are intertwined. Add the mixture to the greased baking dish.

5. Once your cream has cooled a little bit, strain, and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add to the cream, your beer and cracked eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk together.

6. Pour the cream mixture over your bread. Make sure all of your bread is completely submerged and soaks up the egg mixture. (If there isn't enough egg mixture, you can always add beer over top until all of the bread is moist.) Let the bread soak for about 20 minutes.

7. When your bread has had time to soak up all the liquid, place in your oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, check your pudding every five minutes (could take an hour) -- it is finished when the eggs are completely cooked, the bread pudding doesn't jiggle in the middle, and the sides are golden brown and crispy.

8. Let rest 5 minutes. Slice, serve, and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • To make it a little bit healthier, you could substitute whole milk for cream. The milk won't raise up as quickly so stop cooking it once you can smell the herbs you add to the concoction and then you won't burn your milk.
  • When I made this I mixed my flavors of bread. I used whole-garlic, cheesy, and whole grain breads. A combination adds a lot of flavor and is fun. Most major grocery store chains now sell artisan breads in their bakeries.
  • You can always slice this and serve simply with chopped parsley for color. If you are a Cincinnatian, like me, top each portion with a scoop of cooked goetta. Creamy, crunchy, savory -- YUM.
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Short Rib Recipe


Short Rib Recipe

bone-in deliciousness

If this doesn’t put the comfort in your dinner, just about nothing will.  Get your belly full on this slow-cooked short ribs recipe.  Serve with my Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Candied Carrots for the ultimate meat-and-potatoes kind of meal.  It’s perfect for entertaining guests, and even more special for your family on any given night.


cooking information

  • Yield: Dinner Portion for 10
  • Prep Time: 30-45 Minutes
  • Cooking Time: 4-8 Hours

all ingredients

  • 12 Short Ribs
  • 1 Large White Onion
  • 3 Whole Carrots
  • 5 Stalks of Celery (or 1 Heart of Celery)
  • 1 Bottle Red Wine
  • 1-2 32-oz. Boxes Beef Broth
  • 1 Stem of Fresh Rosemary
  • 5 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
  • 3 Dried Bay Leaves
  • 1 Cup Cool Water
  • 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Olive Oil

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.

2. Prepare your veggies. First, remove the outer layer of the onion and thinly slice. Peel the carrots and then roughly chop. Finally, clean your celery and roughly chop; set aside.

3. In a large sauce pan, add enough oil to thinly coat the bottom of the pan. Turn to medium high heat.

4. Next, spread out your short ribs in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned side down in the hot pan and let brown. Season the other side of the meat with salt and pepper.

5. Let the short ribs brown on the first side until the meat has turned a little brown and has gotten a crust on it, approximately 3 minutes. Once this has happened, flip and sear the second side.

6. After the meat is completely seared on both sides, transfer the ribs to a deep roasting pan in a single layer.

7. Reduce the heat of the pan in which you just seared the beef to medium and add your veggies. Sauté the veggies while scraping the bottom of the pan and removing the brown bits.

8. While the veggies are cooking, place your rosemary, fresh thyme, and dried bay leaves randomly over the meat in the roasting pan.

9. When the veggies are tender and have cleaned the bottom of the pan, place them on top of the short ribs in an even layer.

10. Open your bottle of wine; pour over the meat and veggies until covered about halfway.

11. Open your beef broth and add to the roasting pan until meat and veggies are completely covered.

12. Cover the roasting pan with tin foil and place in your oven. Let cook as long as you can -- 3-7 hours. The longer the better.

13. Once you have let the meat cook as long as you can, remove from the oven and let cool.

14. About half an hour before serving the ribs, remove them from the cooking liquid and place on a baking sheet. The bones might fall from the meat, but that is great. Place the baking sheet in a 250 degree oven to keep them warm.

15. Next, strain the cooking liquid into a large sauce pot. Discard the veggies and fresh herbs.

16. Turn to high heat a burner with a large pot. Reduce for half an hour, or until the cooking liquid has reduced by half.

17. Once the liquid has reduced, mix your corn starch and cool water in a separate cup. (This is called a slurry and is a thickening mechanism.) Slowly add your slurry to the cooking liquid while continually whisking it. It should begin to thicken up right away.

18. Once the gravy has thickened, the fat will remain on the top; drain it, careful to keep the good stuff in the pan. Return to the burners.

19. Keeping the heat at medium low, thin with a little water if the gravy is too thick. Add only a little water at a time and continually whisk together. Do this until you've reached the desired consistency of your gravy.

20. Spoon the gravy on top and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • When you first sear the beef, the bones within the hunks are huge; after cooking all day long, the bones shrink. Don’t be alarmed. Because a short rib is a rich piece of meat, one nugget per person is plenty.
  • Some of the portions are fattier than others so I always factor a few extra pieces of meat, just in case.
  • This is one of those recipes where the longer you can cook it the better. The fat becomes butter and it’s amazing. If you have to leave the house for whatever reason and you can’t leave the oven on, crank up the heat to 400 degrees for 15 minutes and then, when you leave, turn off the oven, but don’t open the oven doors. The residual heat will continue to cook the meat while you are gone. When you return, turn the heat back on until you are finished cooking.
  • This is a recipe for impressing somebody. The only hard thing to this recipe is the amount of time you have to wait to eat them. They are delicious, easy, and so worth the wait.
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Oriental Wok’s Sweet and Sour Slushie


Oriental Wok’s Sweet and Sour Slushie

holy yumminess

Alright, with a tagline like the one above, it’s no secret that Kelly is entering this recipe.  Caitlin invented it, of course, but I’m the one who just can’t stop thinking about it.  Caitlin designed this recipe as the wrap-up course in a Third Thursday event all around Oriental Wok’s bottled sauces.  It’s the ultimate use for the Sweet & Sour sauce we all know and love; we just didn’t know we could love it like this.  Sip away, friends.  Sip away.


cooking information

  • Yield: A Small Pitcher
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Cups Mango Juice
  • 2 Cups Orange Vodka
  • 1 Cup Oriental Wok's Sweet & Sour Sauce
  • Sugar, to taste

recipe instruction

1. Add the juice, vodka, and sauce to a pot; bring to a boil. Add sugar to taste. (I used approximately 2 Tablespoons). Once the mixture is boiling, turn off the heat, and let it cool. Chill in fridge.

2. Before serving, throw the mixture into a blender with ice. Or, serve it over a mound of shaved ice, like a snow cone.

cooking tips

  • For a G-rated version, substitute good ol' fashioned orange juice. Just watch the sugar. Without the vodka, you may not need any added sugar.
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Red Hot Icing


Red Hot Icing

put a little kick on your cupcake

I first made this as a cookie sandwich filling.  It is yummy on just about any dessert, though.  Have fun with your red hots!


cooking information

  • Yield: 5+ Cups of Icing
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: None

all ingredients

  • 1 Cup Red Hot Candies
  • 1 Large Container of Vanilla Frosting
  • 2 Large Containers of Cream Cheese Frosting

recipe instruction

1. To your food processor, add your red hot candies. Blend until fine. (**This is a very loud process; do not be alarmed.)

2. To your stand mixer, add your cream cheese icing, vanilla icing, and fine red hot candies. Using the paddle attachment, blend together.

3. Place in an air-tight container and store until use.

cooking tips

  • This is an amazingly fun twist on classic icing that can often be too sweet. It tastes great on cakes, cupcakes, and, in between whoopee pies. Make sure, though, to forewarn your guests that it might be a little spicy.
  • Whenever I am playing with different flavors of icing I always use cream cheese as a base because it’s not too sweet, and then, a portion of the classic vanilla icing so there is sweet part without it tasting all like cream cheese.
  • For this recipe I used red hots, but you can play with this concept. I’ve added orange juice and zest for orange icing, red wine reduction, and even fresh herbs to change the flavors. It’s amazingly easy and adds just a little bit of homemade to any box mix.
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Sweet Corn Cakes


Sweet Corn Cakes

sweet little crispy cakes

You can never go wrong with a little corn cake.  Especially in the summer when the corn is perfect, just perfect, right off the cob.  Make these year ‘round, though, with canned corn.  Eat them hot out of the pan, and peek below for all sorts of ideas on how to top them. 


cooking information

  • Yield: 2 Dozen Small Cakes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 4 Ears of Fresh Corn
  • 1 Can of Creamed Corn
  • 1 Cup of Pancake Mix
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • Hot Sauce
  • Butter

recipe instruction

1. First, lay out a towel on your kitchen counter. Then, holding your ear of corn upward cut the kernels off of the cob. Collect all of the kernels and add to a large mixing bowl.

2. To the mixing bowl add your pancake mix, eggs, creamed corn, salt, and hot sauce. Mix together until the batter is a uniform consistency.

3. Next, add a large sauté pan to the stove top. Turn to medium-high heat.

4. Coat the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of butter. Once the butter starts to bubble, add 2 tablespoons worth of corn cake mix to the pan and let cook.

5. After 2-3 minutes flip your corn cakes and let finish cooking on the other side.

6. Place on a plate after finished cooking and serve warm.

cooking tips

  • If corn is not in season, you can substitute frozen corn. Figure ½ a cup per ear of corn.
  • These are a lot like pancakes. The first ones are never as nice as the last ones. Do not be discouraged.
  • When I make these, I smear on the Avocado Cream Cheese and a fresh herb salad, but you can always shredded beef or Beer-Braised Pork Shoulder with Homemade BBQ Sauce over them. Or, top with fresh tomatoes and queso fresco cheese. No matter what, these are delicious and a simple, fun way to serve classic appetizers.
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Chilled Orzo Salad with Fresh Blueberries and Peas


Chilled Orzo Salad with Fresh Blueberries and Peas

light and crisp and super fresh

I never really had a pasta salad recipe until there were so many requests for one, I couldn’t ignore them.  In the thick of summer, in particular, I just couldn’t bring myself to throw together one more version of the heavy, creamy noodle salad we all know and love.  As usual, I turned to the seasonal produce for inspiration.  The brilliantly-colored blueberries and super green peas called out to me.  Just below is the final product.  It is so good.


cooking information

  • Yield: 6-8 Hearty Portions
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 6 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Pounds Orzo Pasta
  • 2 Cups Frozen Peas
  • 1- 1 ½ Cups Fresh Blueberries
  • ½ Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley
  • ½ Cup Lemon Pepper Marinade
  • Salt
  • Olive Oil

recipe instruction

1. Fill a large pot full of water and place on the stove top. Turn to high heat and bring to a boil.

2. Once the water is boiling, add approximately 3 tablespoons of salt to the water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.

3. Add your orzo to the water and follow the directions for cooking time. It usually only take 6-7 minutes.

4. After 6 minutes have passed, taste the orzo to make sure it is cooked through but still has a little firmness to it. (It should hold its shape in your mouth without leaving firm parts in your teeth.)

5. Drain the pasta and run cold water over it until all of the pasta is cool to touch. This is an important step because chilling the pasta immediately will stop the pasta from continuing to cook. Place the chill pasta in a large mixing bowl, drizzle some olive oil over the top to make sure the pasta won’t get stuck together while waiting, and let rest in the fridge.

6. Next, prepare the rest of your ingredients. Finely chop your parsley, clean and remove any bruised or stemmed blueberries. Grab your peas and lemon pepper marinade.

7. Finally, add your blueberries, peas, parsley, and lemon pepper marinade to the chilled orzo. Toss together. (If you’re not afraid of getting dirty, roll up your sleeves and toss the salad with your hands. It’s the best way to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.) Let rest again in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

cooking tips

  • Frozen peas are great because you can keep them indefinitely in the freezer until ready to use. Plus, you don’t need to worry about thawing them because it is a cold salad.
  • Look at the various marinades used traditionally for meats next time you are in the salad-dressing aisle of the grocery store. They usually have a lot of fun flavors that you don’t get to play with.
  • If lemon pepper marinade does not sound good, you could always substitute raspberry vinaigrette, or whatever clear salad dressing you prefer. Always add a little dressing at a time and taste it before you add more. (You can always add more, but you can never take it out.)
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Hot Pickled Onions


Hot Pickled Onions

the pickle with a kick

Don’t let the these pretty pink rings deceive you—there’s nothing lady-like about their punch.  These spicy pickles are sure to get your attention.  They are the ultimate addition to a meal anytime of the day.  Be creative with where you layer them.


cooking information

  • Yield: 2 Cups
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Large Red Onion
  • 2 Cups White Distilled Vinegar
  • ½ Cup Water
  • 2 Tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 2 Dried Bay Leaves
  • 3 Cloves Garlic
  • 1 Fresh Serrano Chile

recipe instruction

1. First, smash the garlic cloves. Remove the tops, and cut lengthwise, the chiles.

2. Next, cut the top and bottom off the onion. Carefully remove the outer layer and cut the onion into ½-inch-thick rounds.

3. In a medium sauce pan, bring all but the onions to a boil; stir frequently so the salt and sugar dissolve. Boil for 2 minutes, and then turn off the heat. Throw in the onion rings and let the flavors steep together as the contents cool completely.

4. Store your spicy pickled onions in an airtight container up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

cooking tips

  • These are not only delicious, they also present beautifully. With just a couple rings, add a spicy kick to pizzas, sandwiches, even a savory breakfast.
  • If you are feeling brave, play around with different peppers. Just be careful to use gloves with the especially spicy varieties.
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Fresh Tomato and Peach Salad


Fresh Tomato and Peach Salad

the ultimate summer salad

I first made this salad to serve inside Basil-Infused Pizzelle trumpets.  But, since then, I have discovered I can plug it into a million different recipes.  Serve a small amount all by itself as a side, or turn it into a relish for grilled chicken or fish.  Spoon it on top Greek Yogurt, or lump it on thick slices of fresh mozzarella for the ultimate caprese salad.  For the love of Georgia peaches—just enjoy it! 


cooking information

  • Yield: Approximately 4 Cups
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Cartons Fresh Grape Tomatoes
  • 3 Fresh Peaches
  • 1 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper

recipe instruction

1. First, add your balsamic vinegar to a sauté pan and turn to high heat. Let it come to a boil and reduce by half. It is completely reduced when it coats the back of your spoon.

2. Next, clean your tomatoes and peaches. Quarter your tomatoes and place in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop your peaches so they are similar in size to the tomatoes. Add to the mixing bowl.

3. Finally, add your reduced balsamic to your peaches and tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Chill until service.

4. Spoon into Basil-Infused Pizzelle, and serve right away so the salad doesn’t make the pizzelle cups soggy. Enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I love playing with fresh fruits and vegetables. Whatever is the freshest and in season will usually taste great together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other fresh produce.
  • If you have no interest in reducing the balsamic vinegar, you can always substitute with a store-bought balsamic vinaigrette. Add a little at a time and taste along the way. If the salad needs more flavor, add more dressing.
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Chocolate-Pistachio I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Ice Cream Sandwich


Chocolate-Pistachio I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Ice Cream Sandwich

open-face ice cream sandwich

In just a bite or two these little suckers pack some punch!  We’re talking sweet, salty, rich, creamy—all rolled into one. 

Have fun with this presentation, or put that piece on your guests.  Have them assemble these treats themselves.


cooking information

  • Yield: 30-40 Small Desserts
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Follow the cookie recipe exactly but, DO NOT add the pistachios to the cookies at all. Set the pistachios to the side.

2. After the cookies have baked and had time to cool, add a spoonful of ice cream to each cookie.

3. Next run the ice cream through the chopped pistachios.

4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • To make sure the cookies not only don’t burn, but don’t stick and crumble on the cookie sheets while they were baking, I bake them on parchment paper. They easily come off and retain their shape.
  • Make sure the ice cream is super cold. If the ice cream is soft at all it’ll be a total mess and you won’t be able to make this dish.
  • You can make the cookies ahead of time, as well as chop the pistachios. Then the only thing to do before service is assembly.

special thanks to:

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Homemade Shortcakes


Homemade Shortcakes

a building block of dessert

With this simple recipe you can create so many fabulous different desserts.  Slice the cakes for a traditional strawberry shortcake, or top it with vanilla ice cream and a blueberry compote.  Crumble the leftovers to use as a topping on everything from Greek yogurt to Italian gelato.  Even consider serving them for brunch as the “roll” for a bacon and egg sandwich.


cooking information

  • Yield: 6-8 Shortcakes
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 1/3 Cup Pancake Mix
  • ½ Cup Milk
  • 3 Tablespoons of Butter, melted
  • ¼ Cup Sugar
  • Pinch of Salt

recipe instruction

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine your pancake mix, sugar, melted butter, salt and milk.

3. Drop your biscuits onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and completely cooked through.

5. Remove from the oven and let cool.

cooking tips

  • I use these, crumbled, for the Strawberry Shortbites, but if you simply slice these in half and spoon fresh fruit over top and Homemade Whipped Cream, they are amazing!
  • I like to make these right before everybody comes so they maintain their crunch. They can be made ahead but they will no longer have the crust from when they first come out of the oven.
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White Chocolate Fondue-Dipped Strawberry Shortbites


White Chocolate Fondue-Dipped Strawberry Shortbites

classic summer dessert, in a bite

Dip and dredge these bite-sized beauties just before serving them.  Or, leave out all the fixin’s and invite your guests to decorate the berries themselves. 

Kids would have a blast with this too.  Let them get messy and they’re sure to get in their recommended servings of fruit!


cooking information

  • Yield: Dessert for 15
  • Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. First, bake off your homemade shortcakes. Set aside and let cool. Once they are cooled down, crumble into a big bowl.

2. Create the white chocolate fondue according to the recipe. Let cool and set aside.

3. Next, clean and dry your fresh strawberries.

4. To make these bites, first dip your strawberries in the fondue and then dredge the strawberries in the crumbs.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • You can make the shortcake crumbs and white chocolate fondue ahead of time. You can also clean and prep your strawberries, but do not assemble until right before you serve them.
  • You can always buy premade shortcakes and crumble those for an easier step.
  • If you aren’t a huge strawberry fan you can do this recipe with fresh apples, pears, even bananas, if cut properly.

special thanks to:

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Whole Roasted Chicken with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Compound Butter


Whole Roasted Chicken with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Compound Butter

healthy twist on a culinary classic

You’ve seen me decorate bird after bird with all sorts of butters and herbs.  But never with I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!...until now.  And, why not?  It’s what all the healthiest chickens and turkeys are wearing.

Follow my instructions below for a succulent and really delicious dinner below.


cooking information

  • Yield: Dinner for 6-8
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

2. Prepare your chicken. Remove any gizzards on the inside. Using your hands separate the skin from the meat over the breasts and thigh meat. Place in a roasting pan.

3. To your food processor, add your I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! and fresh herbs. Blend until an even consistency.

4. Taking a large scoop with your hand, place under the skin of the chicken. Smear it around so all of the chicken is covered with the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!. Take the remaining mixture and smear on the top of the entire chicken.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Slice your lemons in half. Place 2 halves of lemon inside the bird. Place the other 2 halves within the roasting pan.

7. Next, place your whole chicken in the oven to cook. It’ll take 35-40 minutes to cook depending on the size of the bird.

8. Once the chicken is firm and the juices run clear, or the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, the chicken is completely cooked through. Remove from the oven and let rest 5-10 minutes.

9. Finally, slice the meat from the bird, drizzle the lemon juice over top and serve warm.

cooking tips

  • You can substitute any or all of your favorite herbs in this mixture. Play with what you have fresh and enjoy. It is hard to make a badly flavored compound butter (or in this case I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!).
  • For step-by-step instructions on how to break down the chicken, you can check out the video here.
  • When having a big party I like to serve the chicken in petit-four proportions. Serve each guest a hunk at the end of a fork. It’s a delicious and simply classic dish and, in this way, will feed 20-30 people.

special thanks to:

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Basil-Infused Pizzelle


Basil-Infused Pizzelle

a savory twist on the Italian classic

Kelly had been hounding me to create a savory pizzelle.  This recipe was my attempt to satisfy her craving, but it ended up being enjoyed by many.  Filled with a fresh salad, it is colorful and crispy in all the right places.  And made with the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! it calls for, it may even be good for you! 


cooking information

  • Yield: Approximately 40 Cookies
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. To a large sauté pan add your butter and fresh basil. Turn to low heat and let the butter slowly melt with the basil.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together with a fork your eggs and sugar.

3. Next, whisk in your orange juice, salt, and measured ½ cup of infused butter.

4. Finally, switching to a wooden spoon, add your flour. Stir until completely combined.

5. Preheat your pizzelle press. When it’s warm enough, add 1 tsp of dough to each cookie and then press down. Release and let cook 45-60 seconds. Remove with a butter knife and fold into a mini muffin tin to create the cup shape.

6. Let rest and cool down in the mini muffin tin. After they’ve cooled, store in a dry container.

7. Serve with fresh tomato and peach salad or any fresh vegetables and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • It will take 10 minutes for the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! to melt and become infused with the fresh basil, so, plan accordingly. Also, you will have a little more than you need for the recipe – risk making too much, than not enough in case some of the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! evaporates.
  • You need a pizzelle press to create this recipe. You can find one in the cookingwithcaitlin.com shop right here, and at most specialty food equipment stores. I received mine 15 years ago and it still is working great!
  • If you aren’t the biggest basil fan, you can substitute fresh thyme, dill, oregano, whichever is your favorite.

special thanks to:

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I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Poached Shrimp


I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Poached Shrimp

simple shrimp, special presentation

The idea for this recipe started with a presentation I was dying to play with.  I loved the idea of serving an appetizer on a bed of popcorn.  Of course, popcorn is best all buttered up.  So, naturally (wink, wink), I thought pretty little pink shrimp atop a platter of popcorn would not only be beautiful, but also delicious, as the poaching butter dripped onto the popcorn.

Anyway, I did it.  It was very fun and yummy too.  Have fun with this recipe yourself by poaching the shrimp with fresh herbs, or seasoning the popcorn with gourmet salts.  I like to use a cilantro-lime salt.


cooking information

  • Yield: Appetizers for 12-15
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Add your butter to a deep roasting pan, and place in the oven.

3. While you are waiting for the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! to melt in the oven, clean and prepare your shrimp. Remove the outer shell and the main vein; rinse with water.

4. After melted, add half of your shrimp to the roasting pan and place back in the oven. Let cook for 5 minutes. Once the shrimp have turn opaque and firm, they are completely cooked.

5. Remove the shrimp from the roasting pan with tongs and place on a separate dish. Add the second half of your shrimp to the roasting pan and then back into the oven.

6. When the second batch is completely cooked, remove from the roasting pan; turn off the oven.

7. Add a layer of popcorn to the bottom of your serving platter, place your hot shrimp on top.

8. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Has a lot of flavor all on it’s own but if you substitute with regular butter then you will have to season with salt after they are removed from the roasting pan.
  • This is a simple recipe and easy cooking method but you can play with this basic recipe. Add your favorite fresh herbs and spices and create your favorite flavor combinations.
  • When buying shrimp there usually are various number ranges on the bag. The numbers represent the number of shrimp per pound. So if you buy a 6-10 that means they are big shrimp and you will only get 6-10 shrimp per pound. You can buy as small as 45-50 per pound and those are little baby shrimp.

special thanks to:

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I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Burger


I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! Burger

the juiciest

It feels funny just to say the name of this burger.  But one bite of this juiciest hunk of beef, and you will not be laughing.  The super fresh taste, brought to life by parsley, is unbeatable.  Enjoy this sandwich all year long, but particularly during the summer when tomatoes are just right.


gourmet burger recipe

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

gourmet burger recipe ingredients

  • 3 lbs Ground Beef
  • 2 SticksI Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! (1 cup), room temperature
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Chopped Parsley
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 12 Dinner Rolls
  • 3 Roma Tomatoes
  • 1 Head of Romaine Lettuce

gourmet burger recipe instruction

1. Clean and chop your fresh parsley. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl ,combine your ground beef, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix together until evenly combined. Form into 12 equal 4-ounce burgers.

3. Preheat your grill. Once your grill is hot enough, add your burgers. Let cook on the first side for about 7 minutes.

4. While your burgers are cooking, slice your buns in half, clean and slice and your tomatoes, and clean and tear your lettuce.

5. After 7 minutes have passed, flip your burgers and let finish cooking another 4-5 minutes.

6. Once the burgers are finished cooking, assemble your sandwiches. First place your burger on the bun and then the lettuce and tomato.

7. Serve hot and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Because there is so much added fat to the burger there is more chance of flair ups from the grill. I like to cook these burgers in disposable, aluminum roasting pans so the butter doesn’t just fall through the grill and then the burgers are cooking in their extra juices.
  • Classic butter can be substituted for I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!
  • I love to eat my burgers on traditional dinner rolls because they tend to be softer and more flavorful than the classic dry hamburger buns. You can usually find these in any bakery. Form your burgers according to the size of bun.

special thanks to:

Blog

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Homemade Ricotta Cheese


Homemade Ricotta Cheese

it’s the one you know and love

This is one of those recipes that Kelly calls me a “show-off” for even attempting.  But, the thing is, once you make it yourself, there is no going back.  And when it’s so darn simple, how can you resist? 


cooking information

  • Yield: 1-1½ cups
  • Prep Time: None
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Cups Buttermilk
  • 4 Cups Whole Milk, Vitamin D
  • 4 Sprigs of Fresh Oregano

recipe instruction

1. To a large saucepot add your buttermilk, whole milk, and fresh oregano.

2. Turn the heat to medium-high.

3. Prepare a colander by adding 2 layers of thick paper towels. Place the colander in a larger bowl that will catch the extra draining liquid.

4. Let the milk come to 165 degrees. Continually, stir the milk so it doesn’t stick and burn on the bottom.

5. Once the milk comes to temperature, the ricotta will float to the top. Remove it from the pot with a sieve or slotted spoon; transfer to the colander. While moving to the colander, pick out the large herbs.

6. After you’ve collected all of the cheese, place in bowl and colander in the refrigerator and let chill for a couple hours.

7. Add to an air-tight container or Ziploc bag and store for up to a week.

cooking tips

  • The oregano is for a little added flavor but it’s not an overwhelming flavor. You could add coffee grounds, fresh basil, or lemon zests to the concoction while it’s cooking for various flavors. Play with what you like and enjoy!
  • Of course anything is better homemade! Use your homemade ricotta in classic recipes like lasagna, blitzes, stuffed shells, or with a little sugar as a dessert.
  • This recipe is amazingly easy, especially if you have a thermometer. But, if you don’t own one, you will know the temperature is right once there is a thick raft created from the cheese on the top. From there, strain the ricotta and follow the rest of the instructions.
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Ricotta-Stuffed Burger


Ricotta-Stuffed Burger

get ready for sensory overload

This baby takes on all the senses, and will make your taste buds dance.  Before you see a thing, you’ll be tempted by the scent of reduced balsamic vinegar.  You’ll hear the sizzle of the grill, and your heart will flutter in the first bite.  As the juices drip down your arm, you will no doubt experience food rapture.  Enjoy.


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 lbs Ground Beef
  • 1-2 Cups Fresh Ricotta
  • 3 Cups Balsamic Vinegar
  • 3 Roma Tomatoes
  • Salt/ Pepper
  • 12 Dinner Rolls If you’re in Cincinnati, Servatii’s knots are the best.

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your grill.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine your ground beef, salt, and pepper. Form into 12 equal 4-ounce burgers. Set aside in the cooler.

3. In a sauté pan, add your balsamic vinegar. Turn to high heat. Cook until the vinegar has reduced by half and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set aside.

4. Next, prepare your tomatoes and rolls. Slice your bun in half; slice your tomatoes into ½-¼ inch thick slices. Set aside.

5. Finally, holding one at a time, create a well within each burger. Add a hearty tablespoon of fresh ricotta to the center of the burger. Pull the sides of the burger up so the cheese is completely covered by the meat.

6. Add the burgers to your hot grill. Let cook on the first side 7 minutes. Do not press or play with the meat. Once it’s cooked on the first side, flip and let finish cooking for 4-5 minutes on the second side.

7. To assemble your burgers, add your slice of tomato to the bottom, then your burger, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction with the top of the bun.

8. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also ads just the right sweet taste.
  • The ricotta can be formed in the burger in advanced and stored in the refrigerator. The balsamic vinegar can be reduced ahead of time, as well as the tomatoes be sliced in advance. Cook just when the guests come and enjoy your meal!
  • If you have a super hot grill or a lot of flame-ups, place tin foil directly on your grill so your burgers don’t become brickettes.
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Roasted Walnut Pesto Pork Burger


Roasted Walnut Pesto Pork Burger

a spin on pork chops and applesauce

You know I’m always looking to twist up classic flavor combinations, and this one had been on my mind for a long time before I actually grilled it up.  The pesto makes the actual burger super juicy.  And the crunch of the sweet apple is just irresistible.  Enjoy!


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Red Delicious Apples
  • 3 lbs Ground Pork
  • 1 Wedge of Brie
  • ½ cup Roasted Walnut Pesto
  • 12 Dinner Rolls If you're in Cincinnati, Servatii's knots are the best.

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your grill.

2. In a mixing bowl add your pesto and ground pork. Mix together and form into 12 equal 4-ounce burgers.

3. Prepare your other ingredients. Slice your apples into discs – enough for 4 on each side of the apple, so 8 discs per apple. (If you have a mandolin, use it to slice the apples very finely.) Slice your brie into strips. Set aside.

4. Add your burgers to the hot grill. Cook on the first side 7 minutes. Do not press down or move the burger too much. Flip and finish cooking on the second side 4-5 minutes.

5. To assemble your burger, add a disc of apple to the bottom, the hot burger, and then a slice of brie on top. Make sure you add the brie while the burger is warm so it’ll melt a bit.

6. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also ads just the right sweet taste.
  • Make sure to slice the apples not too far in advance so they don’t oxidize and turn brown. If you want to prepare in advance slice your apples and let soak in water with lemon juice added to it.
  • I love working with ground pork because it’s juicy and carries flavor really well; if you want to substitute ground turkey or chicken you can too. But be careful because there isn’t a lot of fat in either of those so make sure you don’t overcook them.
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Spicy Mussels and Linguine


Spicy Mussels and Linguine

Fancy but simple dinner

Spicy mussels and linguine is a great go to dinner recipe when entertaining friends and family. Serve brownies with Opera Cream Sauce and piled with berries to complete this meal and your guest will be begging to come back for dinner tomorrow.


cooking information

  • Yield: Dinner for 4-6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Whole Cloves of Garlic
  • 2 Whole Shallots
  • 2 Cans Petite Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 Tb Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1-2 cups White Wine
  • 1 lb Linguine
  • 24 Fresh Mussels or 1 Bag Fresh Mussels
  • Olive oil

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your ingredients: slice your garlic cloves, slice your shallots, drain majority of the liquid from your tomatoes, clean your mussels. (To clean your mussels make sure that they are still alive. Any mussel with an open mouth may be dead already, if you flick the mussel and it doesn’t close then it is dead and should be thrown away. Also scrub any loose grit from the mussels and remove any dangling hairs. )

2. Fill a large sauce pot of water and bring to a boil to cook your linguine. Once the water is boiling add your linguine and cook according to instructions from the box. Once it is cooked, drain and set aside.

3. In a large sauté pan add a few Tb of olive oil and bring to medium heat. Add your garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes.

4. Sauté until the shallots are tender and your whole kitchen smells like garlic. (Approximately 3 minutes)

5. Once your aromatics are cooked add your canned tomatoes and white wine. Turn your heat to medium high heat.

6. When you wine and tomatoes come to a slight boil add your cleaned mussels. Cover your pan with a lid and remove from the heat. The mussels will steam and cook in the pan.

7. After your mussels are cooked through, toss together your linguine.

8. Plate, serve and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • Mussels that are opened before you cook them may be dead already and should be removed. Mussels that are closed still after cooking may be dead already too and shouldn’t be eaten.
  • If you like a lot of spice add more red pepper flakes but if spice is of no interest to you red pepper flakes do not need to be added.
  • If you don’t like mussels you could always substitute cleaned shrimp, clams, or even fresh fish that has been cut into smaller pieces.
  • Always cook with whatever wine you like to drink!
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Orange Caramel Sauce


Orange Caramel Sauce

A new ice cream topping

Orange caramel sauce is a delicious addition to just about any dessert. Make it your new favorite ice cream Sunday topping or try something new and serve it over toasted Homemade Beer Bread. No matter what you chose it is sure to tickle your taste buds.


cooking information

  • Yield: 2 Cups
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • ¼ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • ¼ Cup Orange Juice
  • Zest 1 Orange

recipe instruction

1. In a non stick skillet add your sugar, spread out to make an even coat on the bottom of the pan. Turn to high heat.

2. Once the sugar starts melting, use either a wooden spoon or a heat resistant spatula, and stir the sugar to make sure it all melts. It’ll clump up a little bit but it’ll all melt eventually.

3. When everything is melted and a nice golden brown color, remove the pan from the heat and add your cream and orange juice. It’ll bubble and the caramel will tighten up but place back on the heat.

4. After you place the caramel back on the heat stir it all together until it becomes one even concoction. Stir in your orange zest and remove from the heat.

5. Once the caramel cools, store in an air tight container and store in your refrigerator.

6. Serve warm over ice cream and even toasted beer bread. Delicious!

cooking tips

  • If you don’t serve the caramel right after you make it and store in the refrigerator it’ll become hard. Before serving it microwave it for 15 second increments until it loosens up. This will store for up to two weeks.
  • You can flavor it instead with peanut butter or simply vanilla if you want to keep it simple. No matter what it’s delicious.
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Nutella Whipped Cream


Nutella Whipped Cream

chocolatey hazelnut butter cream

I don’t even know when this recipe was introduced.  I am clear, however, that it dances through my dreams almost nightly.  It is so good.  Of course, it makes just about any dessert better.  But, certainly you’ll find that you are looking for ways to work it into your day from breakfast to dinner.


cooking information

  • Yield: 3 Cups
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • ½ Cup Nutella or any Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

recipe instruction

1. To a large bowl add your heavy whipping cream.

2. Using hand-held electric beaters at high speed, whip your cream to stiff peaks. (You’ll know they are stiff peaks if you turn off your beaters and the cream maintains its shape after lifting up the beaters.)

3. Once your cream is whipped, gently fold in the Nutella using a spatula. Make sure not to fold in too vigorously, so as not to deflate the cream.

4. After it’s well combined, refrigerate until you serve. Delicious on everything!

cooking tips

  • Make sure you don’t over whip your cream. You know if you do because you will have made butter.
  • If you have ever had fresh homemade whipped cream you know the difference from the canned whipped cream. I love to plan with the flavors to compliment what I’m serving with it. You can add almond flavorings, orange juice, peanut butter, pretty much anything to make a delicious topping.
  • This can be made ahead of time and stored up to a few days before service. Make sure, though, that you make stiff peaks or else it will deflate very quickly.
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Easy Pesto Sauce Recipe


Easy Pesto Sauce Recipe

Roasted Walnut Pesto

Turn the burger you were planning to make for dinner Tuesday night into the gourmet burger that rocked your family’s world Tuesday night.  This is an almost effortless way to incorporate sensational flavor into every bite.


cooking information

  • Yield: 2 cups
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Cup Prepared Pesto
  • 1 Cup Walnuts
  • ½ Cup Water

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

2. Spread the walnuts onto a cookie sheet in a single layer. Add to your preheated oven and cook 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and toasted.

3. Blend together the toasted walnuts and pesto in your food processor.

4. Slowly pour water through the processor spout while it’s blending. Continue blending until the walnuts are completely chopped up and the pesto is an even consistency.

5. Store in an air-tight container or Ziploc bag and place in the refrigerator. It will store for a couple weeks refrigerated.

cooking tips

  • If walnuts aren’t your favorite,play with whatever nut you like the most. You can substitute with peanuts, pecans, or even pistachios. Always cook with whatever you like to eat the most.
  • This is delicious mixed into ground meat for a uniquely flavored burger, smeared in between a grilled cheese, tossed with hot pasta, or spread on top of toast for a bruschetta.
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Homemade Marshmallows


Homemade Marshmallows

S’mores and more

Making s’mores around a campfire is one of my favorite things to do and with this easy to make homemade marshmallow recipe it takes this candy to a whole new level .  Although s’mores are the first thing that come to my mind when it comes to marshmallows you can have fun with this recipe and add different flavorings, colors, dip them in chocolate, serve with hot chocolate or a chocolate martini really the options are endless.


cooking information

  • Yield: 5 cups fresh marshmallows
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: 4 plus hours

all ingredients

  • 1 cup of water
  • 3 packages of gelatin (unflavored, 1/4 ounce)
  • 2 Cups of sugar
  • 2/3 cup of corn syrup
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 Tb vanilla
  • powdered sugar

recipe instruction

1. Divide the cool water into half. Add 1/2 cup of the water into the mixing bowl attachment of a Kitchaide with the powdered gelatin. Let sit and proof for atleast 15 minutes.

2. Next add your sugar, corn syrup, 1/2 cup of water, and the pinch of salt to a large sauce pot. Turn to high heat. Let the sugar melt and bring to a boil and reach 240 degrees. Let it boil at that temperature for 8 minutes.

3. Once the concoction has cooked for 8 minutes pour slowly over the proofed gelatin in the mixing bowl and with the whisk attachment whisk together for 15 minutes.

4. After it has whisked together for 15 minutes add your vanilla and whisk together until it has completely flavored the marshmallows.

5.Next grease a baking dish on all sides. Pour in the marshmallow mixture and smooth out with the back of your spoon.

6. Let sit for a couple hours. Right before you chop the marshmallows dust the top of the marshmallows with powdered sugar. Have extra powdered sugar nearby.

7. Cut the marshmallows into your favorite shapes and dust all exposing sides with extra powdered sugar to make sure they don't all stick together.

8. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • This is a basic recipe but I love playing with this! I have substituted iced tea instead of water. I have used rose water, or liquid smoke or almond extract instead of vanilla. All very fun and equally delicious!
  • To play with your kids, let them each pour the ingredients into the various bowls but when placing it in the baking dish, only pour 1/2 of the mixture add food coloring over the top and let the kids swirl it in with a tooth pick and then pour the second half of the marshmallow over top. You will have made tied dyed marshmallows.
  • These are delicious in a hot chocolate, or simply by themselves but they also roast as well as store bought and they taste amazing dipped in chocolate. So many options.
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Homemade Succotash


Homemade Succotash

Simple and Fresh

Homemade Succotash is simple and fresh way to serve veggies. This recipe makes a great side dish to any meal and can also be used as a relish on top of a sandwich. Serve as a side dish to Lamb Chops with Ricotta Cream.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 4 Cups/ Sides for 8
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 6 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Large White Onion
  • 3 Red Bell Peppers
  • 3 Ears of Corn (If out of season 1 can of crisp sweet corn)
  • 4 Tb Butter
  • 5 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
  • Salt/ Pepper

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your ingredients. First you want to make sure to clean everything. Then finely dice your onion and bell peppers. Next slice the corn kernels off of the ear of corn.

2. In a large sauté pan add your butter and fresh thyme. Turn to medium heat. Let the butter melt and the thyme infuse into the butter.

3. Once the butter is melted and the thyme is perfuming the kitchen, turn to medium high heat and add your veggies. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook until the veggies become tender and onions translucent. Try to not over cook the veggies or they’ll just become mush. Remove from the heat and serve as a side dish or as a relish on top of a sandwich.

cooking tips

  • I love onions, corn and red peppers, but depending what is in season you can spice up this dish. I have added fresh fava beans, brussel sprouts, and even carrots. It’s just a simple fresh way to serve your veggies.
  • Fresh thyme is my personal favorite herb but you can play with the flavors. If you like a little spicy you can add red pepper flakes before you melt your butter. If you are serving it with a gamier piece of meat you could use rosemary instead.
  • The reason you add your fresh herbs and seasons when the pan is still cold is because if you melt the butter with the flavors then the fat will become infused with flavor versus adding the flavors when the oil is hot. (You’ll just fry the herbs.)
  • When cutting corn off of the cob, place the cob on a dishtowel and slice downward. The kernels will fly out but land on the towel and make it easier to collect. Or if corn is not in season you can always use canned corn.
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Dorito Chicken Sandwich


Dorito Chicken Sandwich

Don’t just eat them straight from the bag

I created this recipe for Dave and Joe Herbert, the winners of the 2009 Dorito Super Bowl commercial, when they were guest on The Cooking with Caitlin Show . It was a hit with the Herbert brothers and if you like Doritos I have a feeling you will love this chicken sandwich as well.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 4 sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 lb Cleaned, Chicken Breast, Scallopini (Thinly sliced chicken)
  • 1 Large Bag of Dorito’s Nacho Cheese Chips
  • 2 cups Flour
  • 3 Eggs
  • 2 Tb Butter
  • ½ lb Bacon
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • 8 Slices Crusty Italian Bread

recipe instruction

1. In a food processor blend your nacho cheese chips into bread crumb consistency. Place in a small mixing bowl.

2. Create 2 more stations. 1 bowl of flour, another of whisked eggs.

3. Prepare the rest of your ingredients; cook your bacon, slice your bread and tomatoes, clean your lettuce.

4. Preheat a large sauté pan to medium high heat. Once it is preheated add your butter.

5. To cook the chicken you first must dredge both sides in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally in the nacho chip crumbs. Add to your sauté pan. Do the same with the rest of your chicken.

6. Because the chicken is so thin it will only take about 2 minutes to cook on both sides. Once the chicken is cooked, set aside.

7. To assemble the sandwiches first place the chicken on the bottom of the sandwich. Next add your bacon, lettuce, then your tomato.

8. Slice in half, serve and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • Dorito’s Nacho Cheese flavor is my favorite but you could always substitute the Cool Ranch, Jalapeno Popper, or your own favorite flavor to this recipe.
  • If you can’t find the pre-sliced chicken breast you can always just slice fresh chicken breast in half length wise. Next place it between 2 pieces of plastic wrap to pound it with either a mallet or just the bottom of a small sauté pan.
  • This is a great recipe to use any chips that may have gone stale. Blend and store in an air tight container.
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Creamy Butternut Squash Soup


Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Perfect cold day soup

This creamy butternut squash soup is a perfect comfort food on cold days and is the perfect dish to make a big batch of and then freeze half of it for later consumption. Pair this soup recipe with Hot Ham and Stilton Waffle Sandwich.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: Entrée for 8
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 60 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Whole Butternut Squashes
  • 6 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
  • 4 Tb Butter
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 3-4 Cups Vegetable Stock
  • Salt/ Pepper
  • Optional: ½ Cup Heavy Cream

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

2. Prepare your butternut squashes. Remove the top and bottom. Then peel the whole squash. Slice in half lengthwise. Remove all of the seeds of the core of the squash. Chop the squash into cubes (the smaller the cubes the fast it’ll cook.) and add to a roasting pan.

3. Slice your butter into thin pats and place all over the diced squash. Add 4 sprigs of the fresh thyme. (I like to leave the leaves on the stems because they are easier to fish out after the squash is finished roasting.)

4. Place your squash in the oven and let cook until the squash is tender. Let cook approximately 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s finished cooking when you stick a fork into the squash and it’ll slide out.

5. Once your squash is completely cooked through remove from the oven and let cool. After it has cooled a bit, remove the fresh thyme sprigs and add the squash and roasting liquids to a food processor. Blend until fine. (If it isn’t blending well enough add some vegetable stock to help loosen it up.)

6. After the squash is pureed add to a sauce pot. Add your vegetable stock to the puree with the bay leaves and 2 fresh thyme sprigs. Turn to medium heat.

7. Let it simmer until you are ready to serve.

8. Remove bay leaves and sprigs of thyme. If it isn’t thickening up enough turn up the heat, or if you don’t have the time add the heavy cream.

9. Garnish with fresh shaved parmesan, serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • The butternut squash, just roasted, is the perfect base for a simple butternut squash puree. Add a few fresh thyme leaves, 3 Tb of fresh grated parmesan, and ¼ cup of heavy cream. Sauté together, serve and enjoy.
  • When cleaning and prepping your butternut squash you might want to wear gloves. For some reason it leaves a thin orange tinted crust to your hands that will remain even after washing your hands.
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Braised Kale


Braised Kale

Simple braise, full of flavor

Braised with olive oil, garlic, and chicken stock this easy green kale recipe is the perfect southern-style dish. Low temperature and slow cooking makes for great comfort food. You can’t substitute time for flavor. For other food for comfort serve Homemade Turkey Consommé.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 3-4 cups
  • Prep Time: 10-30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 ½ hours

all ingredients

  • 1 Bag or 2 Bunches of Cleaned Kale
  • 4 Cloves of Garlic
  • ½ Tb Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 Smoked Ham Hock
  • 2 Cups of Chicken Stock
  • 2 tsp Nutmeg
  • Salt/ Pepper
  • Oil

recipe instruction

1. First you want to clean and prepare your kale. If bought in the bag, the hard work is all finished. If you buy it by the bunch then you want to make sure you wash each leaf and remove the stem and coarsely chop it.

2. In a sauce pot you want to add a few tablespoons of olive oil to the bottom. Smash your garlic with the side of a knife but don’t worry about finely mincing it. Add your garlic to the pot with the red pepper flakes and ham hock.

3. Turn to medium high heat. Once the oil is hot add ½ of your kale. Toss with the oil and let it begin to wilt. Once it has started wilting add the second portion of the kale. Coat with the oil and sauté until all of it is cooked down.

4. After the kale has reduced by half, season with salt and pepper, add your nutmeg and chicken stock. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for an hour.

5. Once it has cooked a long time, turn off the heat, serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • This recipe works with any dark leafy green. (i.e. Turnip greens, collard greens, mustard greens, and swiss chard.)
  • Smoked ham hocks are available at most grocery stores. They are usually available near the cured and cottage hams. You may want to ask the butcher department if you are having troubles finding them. If you can’t find them for some reason you can always substitute with diced bacon or simply any piece of smoked ham.
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Arancini


Arancini

Gourmet Italian appetizer

Arancini, or, rice balls, are risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese, fried, and finished off with marinara sauce. In Italy Arancini are eaten as a snack but I like to serve them as an appetizer along with Baked Prosciutto Cups and Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta. This recipe is always a huge hit!

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 15-30 individual (based on how big you make them)
  • Prep Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30-45 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 cups Cooked Risotto
  • ½ lb Slab of Mozzarella
  • 2 cups Flour
  • 4 Eggs
  • 2 cups Seasoned Breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Marinara Sauce

recipe instruction

1. Slice your slab of mozzarella in ½ inch x ½ inch cubes.

2. Form your prepared risotto into golf ball-sized balls. Press the cube of mozzarella into the middle of the ball. Roll the risotto again until the mozzarella is covered.

3. In a large pan, add your oil until the pan is half-way full. Turn the burner to medium-high heat.

4. Create your breading stations. To your first bowl, add your flour. Next, add your eggs that you have whisked together. To your final bowl add your breadcrumbs.

5. Dredge your risotto balls first in the flour, then the eggs, and next into the breadcrumbs. Add to the oil.

6. Cook the risotto balls in small batches, only a few at a time. (When you add something room temperature or cold to hot oil it will lower the temperature. So, if you add too many balls to the oil nothing will get crispy.)

7. Once each risotto ball is golden brown and crispy, remove and let rest on a paper towel to help remove the extra oil.

8. Serve warm on a bed of marinara and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • If you only have regular breadcrumbs at your house you can simply season them by adding dried oregano, dried basil, and dried rosemary to the crumbs to make them flavored.
  • People rarely leave extra risotto, but you could always use over-cooked rice for this recipe. Or, make a fresh batch of risotto and wait for it to cool.
  • You can make the risotto balls up to a day in advance, and then bread and fry them right before your serving.
  • This is a huge crowd-pleaser so always make more than you think you'll need!
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Roasted Grapes


Roasted Grapes

you never knew how versatile a grape could be

These babies were first introduced as part of an event we served in honor of Dr. Seuss.  We served them right on top a circle of angel food cake with a smear of apricot jam.  We called it Ape Cake Grape Cake, just like something the Whos eat.  Of course, that was a fun time, but the grapes were a huge hit too.  I find myself working them into recipes whenever I can.  Check out my tips below for all sorts of serving suggestions.


cooking information

  • Yield: A Bunch (literally)
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes

all ingredients

  • A Bunch of Your Favorite Grapes

recipe instruction

1. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Clean the grapes, and pick them off the stems.

3. Spread the clean, loose grapes on a cookie sheet and pop them in the oven. Roast them until they wilt, about 20-30 minutes.

4. Enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Have fun with these roasted grapes. They are just the right amount of sweet, and are wonderfully unexpected, particularly when they're warm. Layer them on a peanut butter sandwich in lieu of jelly. Use them as a topping for crunchy bruschetta with a healthy smear of creamy brie. Decorate cupcakes, like the one in the picture. Finish off an oh-so simple crispy vanilla cookie with some cream cheese icing and a perfectly roasted grape. Or, throw a handful of these sweet treats into fresh greens for a clever new salad.
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Fried Green Tomatoes


Fried Green Tomatoes

Southern recipe made easy

This is a great southern recipe that is delicious itself as an appetizer or a surprise under a juicy burger. No matter how you decide to serve this recipe, as an appetizer, on a burger or on a sandwich, once the green tomatoes are fried drizzle them with my Homemade Remoulade Sauce and it is sure to impress.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 12-15 Individual Slices
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 4 Green Tomatoes
  • 1 cups Flour
  • 4 Eggs
  • 2 cups Yellow Cornmeal
  • Salt/ Pepper
  • Vegetable Oil

recipe instruction

1. First, clean your green tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes into ½ inch thick slices. (You don’t want to slice them too thinly or they’ll become mush once they are cooked.) Discard the core and the base of the tomatoes.

2. Next season both sides of the tomato slices with salt and pepper. *Be careful not to season too much.

3. Create 3 stations for breading your tomatoes. In a bowl place your flour first, then in a bowl place your eggs whisked with a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out, and finally your cornmeal in a bowl.

4. In a large sauté pan, add enough oil to be about 1 inch up the sides of the pan. Preheat to medium high heat.

5. When your oil is warm enough dredge your tomatoes first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the cornmeal. Add immediately to the hot oil. The oil should be high enough to completely surround the tomato.

6. Flip the tomato after 1 minute or so of cooking to make sure it browns evenly. After both sides are browned evenly, remove from the oil and let drain on paper towels.

7. Serve hot and with Homemade Remoulade Sauce.

cooking tips

  • Green tomatoes are important to this recipe because they are unripe tomatoes and can withstand the heat of the oil.
  • The tomatoes can be sliced and seasoned beforehand but if you bread them too early the crust will become mushy and not crisp up like you want it to.
  • A great way to figure out if your oil is warm enough without a thermometer is to sprinkle a little cornmeal into the pan. If it floats to the top and begins cooking the oil is ready, if the cornmeal sinks immediately to the bottom the oil isn’t ready.
  • When frying, the more you place in the pan the lower the temperature will get. So first don’t over crowd the pan or nothing will ever get crispy and also the second round might take a little longer to fry but it should take more than a few minutes longer.
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Opera Cream Sauce


Opera Cream Sauce

sinfully rich

Our family fell in love with opera cream not from the candies, but from an over-the-top chocolate opera cream cake made by a very special bakery in Cincinnati called BonBonerie.  It is the cake at every special occasion in our house. This is my version of the sauce that has been known to rock worlds.  Enjoy.

Serve this dessert after a family meal of Pasta Aglio Olio and Asparagus.

cooking information

  • Yield: About 2 Cups
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: Varies (so be vigilant)

all ingredients

  • 2 cups of powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbs corn syrup
  • 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 pinch iodized salt

recipe instruction

1. Add the powdered sugar, corn syrup, cream, and salt to a sauce pot; bring to a boil without stirring everything together. (Do not stir; the ingredients will come together on their own.)

2. Boil until it reaches 236 degrees (soft ball stage). If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can tell by adding a drop of the concoction to a glass of cool water. When the sauce is ready, a soft ball will form and fall to the bottom of the glass.

3. Once the sauce has reached the correct stage and temperature, remove it from the heat and let it come to room temperature.

4. If you will be using this to ice brownies, leave as is. However, if you want to make this a firmer icing for cupcakes or candies, use your electric beaters to whip the sauce until it becomes a shiny, white, ribbon-like consistency. Make sure to spread the opera cream right away because as you wait to ice your cupcakes or drop into individual candies, the sauce hardens. If it gets too hard, you'll have to warm it up slowly again on the stove top. .

5. Enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Make brownies right out of a box to decorate with this to-die-for sauce. Enjoy them gooey with just the opera cream, or pile fresh berries on top, just like the picture.
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Fresh Fruit Cups


Fresh Fruit Cups

Fresh Fruits and a Champagne Toast

Fresh fruit and a bottle of champagne make this fresh fruit cup recipe unlike most. The champagne gives the fruit an amazingly delicious taste that takes this dessert to the next level. Serve this dessert after a meal of Pasta Carbonara and Parmesan Tuilles.

 


cooking information

  • Yield:6-8 people
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Oranges
  • 3 Peaches
  • 3 Plums
  • 1 Carton Blueberries
  • 1 Carton Raspberries
  • 1 Carton Fresh Strawberries
  • 1 Bottle of Champagne

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your fruits. Cut the tops off of the strawberries and slice into quarters. Slice your peaches and your plums in half, remove the pits and then slice into 8 equal wedges.

2. Supreme your oranges. To supreme an orange you first must cut the top and bottom off. Next, cut the zest off the entire orange. Then holding the orange in your hand, slice the segments without cutting any of the white membranes.

3. Place all of your fruit in a large bowl. Add enough champagne to cover all of your fresh fruit.

4. Let soak a couple of hours.

5. Serve chilled with some of the champagne as a sauce.

cooking tips

  • You can use any fruit you like but try to stay away from fruit that oxidizes (browns) super easily. (i.e. apples, pears, bananas)
  • This is amazingly delicious by itself, especially in the summer time, but to make this a heartier dessert you can always serve it over sorbet or ice cream.
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Peach Cherry Pop


Peach Cherry Pop

Kool Aide with a kick

Peach Cherry Pop is a fun and different way to use the Kool Aide packets you have laying around the house. Mix up your favorite childhood drink and turn it into an adult beverage, I don’t think you can go wrong with this one.

Serve it at your next cookout with The Waffle Fry Burger and Asparagus Slaw.


cooking information

  • Yield: 1 Large Pitcher
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 liter of Soda Water
  • 1 Package of Cherry Kool Aide
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • Peach Schnapp’s

recipe instruction

1. In a large pitcher combine your Kool Aide, sugar, and soda water.

2. Stir together until one unified liquid.

3. To serve pour 1 shot of peach Schnapp’s in the bottom of which ever glass you are serving your guests.

4. Then pour your Kool Aide concoction over top.

5. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • You can always use which ever flavors are your favorite. Kool Aide punch with raspberry vodka, Blue Kool Aide with Pineapple Rum, etc.
  • If this is more of an adult gathering you can always add more liquor to your glass.
  • Do not make the Kool Aide concoction too early because you do not want to loose the carbonation in the soda water.
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Homemade Apple Pizza


Homemade Apple Pizza

Pizza for dessert

If you are having a pizza party it is not complete until you have this delicious apple dessert. Homemade apple pizza is a sweet treat in the summer with a scoop of ice cream or in the winter served with a cup of Hot Buttered Cider Rum.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 1 pizza
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Pizza Dough
  • 2 Granny Smith Apples
  • ¼ cup of brown sugar
  • 2 Tb of butter
  • Cinnamon
  • Powdered Sugar
  • recipe instruction

    1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

    2. Peel, core, and slice into ¼ inch thick rounds of apples.

    3. Place your pizza on a cookie sheet and assemble the ingredients. First layer your apples all around the pizza, crumble the brown sugar over top, dust with cinnamon and add thin pats of butter around the pizza.

    4. Bake for 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the sugar is bubbling.

    5. Let rest, slice, and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

    cooking tips

    • You could always use one of the pre-made pizza dough from the grocery store but most, if not all pizza restaurants are willing to sell their dough to you for not a lot of money.
    • Granny smith apples are great with this recipe because of their tartness but use whatever apple is your favorite.
    • This recipe is great for any season and any weather. Serve with a scoop of ice cream in the summer or a cup of hot cider in the winter.
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Asparagus Slaw


Asparagus Slaw

a laid back asparagus

I created this slaw on a whim, inspired by the seasonably perfect asparagus of Spring.  I first served it on a burger with a smear of goat cheese, but have since offered it as a stand-alone side.  I’m delighted to report that it’s been a hit every which way.  There’s something unique and special about the combined crunch of the raw asparagus and the smoked almonds.


cooking information

  • Yield: About 6 Cups
  • Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: None

all ingredients

  • 2 Bunches Fresh Asparagus
  • 1/3 Cup Mayo
  • 3 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • Juice of ½ Lemon
  • ½ Cup Smoked Almonds
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

recipe instruction

1. Thinly slice your asparagus. Or, cut out a chunk of time by using the slicing attachment (the disk with a single blade on top) on your food processor. Push raw asparagus into the food processor.

2. Once completely sliced, toss the chopped asparagus with the mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Refrigerate until use, but no more than a few hours in advance.

3. In the meantime, chop your almonds -- coarsely by hand, or using the s-blade attachment on your processor, pulse the almonds until they are chopped. Toss the chopped almonds into the slaw just before serving.

4. Enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Toss this slaw to your particular taste. Season with salt and pepper accordingly; use more or less almonds.
  • Smoked almonds may be found either in the baking aisle of your grocery, or with the other nuts near cocktails and snacks.
  • The slaw may be refrigerated for up to two days, but the almonds will get soggy.
  • Serve this slaw as a stand-alone salad, as a sandwich topping for added crunch, or on top crostini as an appetizer.
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Wine Poached Peaches


Wine Poached Peaches

A peach of perfection

Wine poached peaches are a delicious and refreshing summer time dessert. Pick up a fresh peach from your farmers market, poach in white wine and cinnamon and serve the hot peach over a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream. This recipe could not be easier and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Another great way to use peaches in the summer time is Healthy Caprese Salad. Also be sure to try Red wine poached pears if you are looking for a Fall time dessert.

cooking information

  • Yield: Dessert for 6
  • Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Ripe Peaches
  • ½ bottle white wine
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 pint vanilla ice cream

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your peaches. First slice in half, then cut each half into ¼ wedges.

2. In a sauté pot add your peaches, the cinnamon stick, and enough white wine to cover the ingredients.

3. Bring the concoction to a slow boil and cook long enough for your peaches to soften. Approximately 3-5 minutes.

4. Once your peaches are ready place a scoop of ice cream in a bowl. Top with a few slices of peaches and spoon over some white wine.

5.Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • If peaches are out of season you can always substitute with frozen sliced peaches.
  • If peaches aren’t your favorite fruits you could always substitute with plums, pears, or apples.
  • If you do not own actually cinnamon sticks you can always use 2 tsp of ground cinnamon instead.
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Sweet Sangria


Sweet Sangria

Sweet with fruit and fizz

Not sure what to do with that red wine gift that was given to you? Turn it into a delicious red wine sangria. This easy sangria is the perfect drink to serve at a party in your fancy sangria glass or sangria pitchers the fresh fruit in the drink will give a beautiful presentation.

Serve the sangria with Mexican spiced flank steak or Mexican burger.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 1 Large Pitcher
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 bottle of Red Wine
  • 1 liter of Cherry Soda
  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Peaches

recipe instruction

1. First prepare your fruit. Slice the oranges into slices, cut the tops of the strawberries and slice in half. Slice your peaches into wedges.

2. Add all of your fresh fruit to the bottom of a large pitcher. Cover the fruit with wine.

3.Once all the fruit is covered, take a muddle or a wooden spoon and smash your fruit together with the wine.

4. Add the rest of your bottle of wine. Next add 1 liter of your favorite cherry soda.

5. Chill, serve, and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • If you are not much of a wine drinker you can always add more soda then wine.
  • The fruit I chose to pick were just some of my favorites. For this recipe use whatever you love to each, whichever is in season, or simply what looks good at the store.
  • For more flavor let the wine and fruit soak together over night. Do not add your soda though until right before your serve it because you want to keep some of the fizzle.
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Candied Carrots


Candied Carrots

We have all had or heard of candied apples and candied pecans but just wait till you try this candied carrots recipe. Eating carrots will never be the same.
Serve this recipe in the Fall season around Thanksgiving with Homemade Turkey Conssume and Thanksgiving Arancini Balls.


cooking information

  • Yield: Side Portions for 12
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 stick of unsalted butter
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 lb fresh carrots
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • Salt
  • Pepper

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your carrots. For this recipe you need the large carrots, preferably with the stems still attached. If the stems are still attached trim them but leave about an inch of the stems on the carrots. Clean the carrots, peel, and then slice in half lengthwise.

2. In a large sauté pan add your stick of butter and fresh thyme. Turn to medium high heat.

3. Once the butter is melted and the thyme has perfumed the kitchen add your carrots, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.

4. Sauté the carrots until just beginning to become tender. Approximately 5 minutes.

5. After your carrots become tender, plate, serve, and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • By adding the fresh thyme and butter to a cold pan and bringing it up to heat together you are infusing the butter with the flavor of thyme. If you add your thyme once the butter is hot you’ll just fry your herbs and not add as much flavor.
  • This recipe is great for any root vegetables and is great because it becomes a quick sauce. Minimal work!
  • If you aren’t interested in spending time on prepping the carrots you can always buy the baby carrots and just split them in half lengthwise.
  • Make sure to not overcook your carrots. Mushy carrots do not make good eats.
  • I always add the thyme while still attached to the stem. It is less work to remove the whole sprigs at the end then removing each leaf and adding to the pan.
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Homemade Turkey Consommé


Homemade Turkey Consommé

A down-home thanksgiving consommé

Consommé is one of Caitlin’s all time favorite comfort foods and I am wiling to guess that this homemade turkey consommé might just become one of your new favorite homemade comfort foods. Serve this turkey consommé in a shot glass as an appetizer before a delicious fall inspired meal of Roasted Chicken with Apple Butter, Sweet Potato Dauphinois, and an Apple Tarte Tatin to complete the meal.


cooking information

  • Yield: 8-10 Entrée servings
  • Prep Time: 30 Minutes
  • Cooking Time: 2 Hours

all ingredients

  • 10 16-ounces cans turkey broth
  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 large white onion
  • 2 large carrots
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 4 whole plum tomatoes
  • 6 egg whites
  • 3 dried bay leaves

recipe instruction

1. In a large sauce pot, empty all the broth into the pot. Turn to medium high heat.

2. Now prepare your vegetables. Roughly chop your onions, peel and chop your carrots, chop the celery, and cut the top and bottom off of the tomatoes and roughly chop.

3. Add all the vegetables to a food processor and blend together until a fine blend. Place the vegetable concoction in a large mixing bowl.

4. Combine your blended vegetables with your ground turkey and egg whites. Mix together until a uniform consistency.

5. Once your broth has been brought to a boil add your ground turkey mixture in handfuls at a time and your bay leaves. Lower the heat to medium low to simmer.

6. Allow your broth to simmer for at least 2 hours.

7. While the broth is simmering, create a hole in the middle of the ground turkey “raft” to allow the liquid to cook through all of the meat.

8. After the broth has reduced by about a third and the meat is fully cooked and floating on the top, drain the broth of the cooked meat. (You will need to use a fine sieve to remove all of the fine particles. If you don’t own a fine sieve you can substitute a colander and just place a damp paper cloth on top. )

9. Place your cleared broth back in the pot, warm, serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Stock is water + vegetables + bones, broth has meat and bones + water + vegetables, consommé is a fortified broth which just means it has added meat flavor boiled into it.
  • If you can’t find turkey broth you can always substitute chicken broth. You can always make various flavors of consommé substituting the broth flavors and the ground meat to compliment it.
  • If you have extra you can always freeze in an ice cube trays and add it to soups or sauces.
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Salsa Verde


Salsa Verde

beautifully green goodness

Turn the good ol’ fashioned Mexican tortilla chip into the very best Mexican food.  You can do it by not only cooking your salsa yourself, but by taking green cooking to a whole new level with homemade Mexican cooking.


cooking information

  • Yield: 2 Cups
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Jalapenos
  • 1 Small Red Onion
  • 10 Tomatillos
  • 1 Cup Fresh Cilantro
  • 1 Cup of water
  • Salt

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

2. Prepare your ingredients. Remove the tomatillos from the husks and cut into quarters. Cut the tops off of the jalapenos and cut lengthwise. Remove the ribs and seeds. Roughly chop your red onion.

3. Add your tomatillos, jalapenos, and red onion to a baking sheet. Cook until they have started to wrinkle and are tender.

4. In a food processor add your cooked jalapenos, red onion, and tomatillos plus your fresh cilantro and a teaspoon of salt. Begin blending.

5. While your salsa is blending, slowly add water through the spout. Add water until the salsa is loose and an even consistency (could be more or less than one cup of water).

6. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Or, simply serve with chips and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Tomatillos are a little confusing to find. They are always in the produce section. They are green and look like tomatoes but are always surrounded by husks. They tend to be a little sticky too but that is normal.
  • This is great to make and always have on hand. This is great on burgers, slow-cooked with chicken, or simply with a big bag of chips.
  • If you like a lot of heat you can always add more jalapeno, or even be brave and add a habanero. If you can’t handle the heat, you can always omit the jalapeno all together.
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Tortilla Chip-Crusted Pork Tenderloin


Tortilla Chip-Crusted Pork Tenderloin

crunch crunch mmmm

As far as I’m concerned there is just nothing better that a little crunch at the beginning of every bite.  Turn the tortilla chip into the perfect dressing for two pork tenderloins.  Just one more reason to buy pork and Mexican tortilla chips.


cooking information

  • Yield: Dinner for 6
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Pork Tenderloins
  • 1 Small Bag of Tortilla Chips
  • 1 Cup Salsa Verde
  • Salt and Pepper

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a roasting pan place your pork tenderloins. Season all sides with salt and pepper.

3. Place in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. (It could take as many as 40 minutes but start checking after 20. It depends on the thickness of your tenderloins. The perfect internal temperature of the pork will be 155-160 degrees.)

4. While your pork is cooking, add the tortilla chips to a food processor. Chop until the consistency of fine breadcrumbs. Place in a large bowl or a Ziploc bag. Set aside.

5. Once your pork is done, remove from the oven and let rest.

6. After 3-5 minutes of rest, remove your pork from the roasting pan and place on a cutting board. Slice the pork into thick slices, a little less than an inch.

7. After you’ve sliced your pork, dredge one side of the pork in the tortilla chips.

8. Place the pork, chip side up on a serving platter and drizzle with the homemade salsa verde.

9. Serve hot and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • The chips may be crushed and the salsa verde may be made days ahead of time. Store the chips in a plastic bag and the salsa verde should be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
  • To really spice things up, you can play with what chips you use. Try nacho, ranch, or even BBQ flavors -- all equally delicious!
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Fresh Jalapeno Queso


Fresh Jalapeno Queso

queso with a kick

Never do chip dip or bean dip again.  Instead, turn one of the least gourmet cheeses, Monterey Jack, into a cheese of the month cheese club stand-out with this queso recipe.


cooking information

  • Yield: 4 Cups
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Cups of Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 6 Cups Shredded Monterey Jack
  • 2 Whole Bulbs of Garlic
  • 3 Jalapenos
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Salt

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your ingredients. First, slice your garlic bulbs in half lengthwise so that the bulbs hold their shape but all of the cloves are exposed. Throw away the tops. To prepare your jalapenos, slice the tops off and then slice lengthwise.

2. To a medium saucepot, add your heavy whipping cream, jalapenos, bay leaves, and garlic. Bring to a simmer. **Be careful because cream will quickly bubble over the pot. Keep an eye on the concoction.**

3. Let the cream mixture simmer for 30 minutes or until the cream has been infused with all the flavors (taste it to be sure).

4. Add salt to taste (it should only need a teaspoon or two). Remove the bulbs of garlic, jalapenos, and bay leaves.

5. Once the flavor is perfect, whisk in your cheese. Continue to whisk until all of the cheese is incorporated. Reduce heat to simmer.

6. Ladle in a bowl, serve with some chips, and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • This amazingly easy dip can be made a day or two in advance. It is most important, however, that when bringing it back to temperature it is given a lot of time to slowly warm up. If you force it, you risk burning it.
  • When I make this, I love to use a non-stick saucepot. It makes it easier to clean up and reduces the risk of burning your sauce.
  • If you don’t like a lot of heat you can always reduce the number of jalapenos. The same goes for the garlic.
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Chorizo Sausage Egg with Pico


Chorizo Sausage Egg with Pico

the egg made incredibly edible

Turn the incredible edible egg into something better than breakfast fast with homemade sausage right on top.  Think beyond the appetizer dips that typically take you through sports season with an egg doctored up with pork sausage and super fresh pico.


cooking information

  • Yield: 24 pieces
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. First, boil your eggs according to the direction for a 7-Minute Egg.

2. While your eggs are cooking, mix your ground pork and seasonings to create the Homemade Chorizo. Place in a bowl and keep cool until you are going to cook.

3. Next, prepare Uncle Nate's Pico de Gallo. Set aside to let marinate.

4. Once your eggs are cooked and cooled, remove from the shell and slice in half lengthwise.

5. To a large sauté pan, at high heat, add your homemade chorizo meat; cook and crumble. .

6. After your chorizo is cooked, place your eggs on the serving platter. Spoon some hot chorizo crumbles on top and then a small spoonful of the pico de gallo on top of that.

7. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • The eggs may be cooked and cooled ahead of time so that the only thing you need to do the day of service is shell them. The chorizo may be mixed a day in advance and then cooked right before you serve. Uncle Nate's Pico de Gallo may be made a day or two ahead of time too.
  • Save yourself at least 30 minutes of time by picking out hard-boiled eggs from your grocer's salad bar.
  • I love chorizo and pico de gallo but you could always play with this idea by substituting smoked salmon and little sour cream or ground hamburger and guacamole.
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Cilantro Shrimp Taco


Cilantro Shrimp Taco

avocado and orange in all the right places

Elevate your taco with a striking combination of orange, shrimp, and fresh avocado.  This will become one of your family’s favorite taco dishes ever.


cooking information

  • Yield: 16-20 servings
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 Minutes

all ingredients

  • 4-5 Large Flour Tortillas (Cut into 5 smaller circles)
  • 1 lb Peeled, Deveined Shrimp (16-20 ct.)
  • 2 Oranges
  • 2 Avocados
  • 1 Large Lime
  • 1 Tb Chopped Fresh Cilantro
  • 2 Tb Butter
  • Salt and Pepper

recipe instruction

1. First, prepare all of your ingredients. Remove the shell and vein from your shrimp. Next, slice your shrimp in half length-wise so it looks like there are two shrimp. Place in a bowl and keep cold until ready to cook.

2. Next supreme your oranges. First, cut the top and bottom off of your orange. Then, slice the rind off of the orange, continually curving your knife to maintain the curve of the orange. Holding the orange in your hand, slice each segment of the orange in between its membranes.

3. To prepare your avocado, slice in half, remove the pit, scoop from the skin, and slice into long slices. (You want to wait to do this until right before your serve the tacos because the avocados will oxidize and turn brown.)

4. Zest your lime and chop your cilantro. Cut your tortillas. (If you do not own circular cookie cutters you can flip a cup over and substitute as a cookie cutter.)

5. Preheat a large sauté pan to medium high heat. Once it starts to warm up, add your butter, lime zest, and cilantro.

6. When the butter has melted and begins to bubble, add your shrimp to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp curls up and turns a pinkish color.

7. While the shrimp is cooking, lay out your tortillas and place one slice of avocado and one orange segment on each circle. Once the shrimp is finished cooking, place two pieces of shrimp on each tortilla.

8. Fold up, serve, and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • If you are not confident in surpreming oranges you can always buy canned Mandarin oranges. You may have to use two segments per taco.
  • I created this recipe as just a small appetizer; however, if you really love it, you can always use bigger tortillas and just stuff it with more filling.
  • If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, you can always substitute fresh parsley.
  • When buying shrimp, always look at the numbers on the package. 16-20 ct means that there are 16-20 shrimp per pound. You can also buy 25-50 count shrimp, even 8 count shrimp.
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Apple Tarte Tatin


Apple Tarte Tatin

Upside down apple tart

This French dessert is not only easy to make it also makes for a beautiful presentation. Apple Tarte Tatin is the perfect combination of sweet delicious caramelized apples and the fluffy puff pastry.

Top this recipe with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.


cooking information

  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 Minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Apples
  • 1 Sheet of Puff Pastry
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 Tb vanilla
  • ¼ cup cream

recipe instruction

1.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. In a small sauce pot combine your brown sugar and sugar. Turn to high heat.

3. While your sugar is melting, begin slicing your apples. Using your mandolin slice your apples into thin slices. (You want the apples to be thick enough to stay firm when you hold it up, but also thin enough to be able to cook in the oven for only 15 minutes.)

4. Once your sugar is melting stir around until it is a smooth consistency. When the sugar is brown and smooth, lower the heat to medium and add your cream and vanilla. The sugar will ball up and it’ll become soupy but continue stirring together until syrupy.

5. After your caramel is made add to the bottom of a pie pan.

6. Next layer your apples on top of the sugar. Make sure to cover the whole pie pan and layer until evenly stacked.

6. When the caramel and apples are ready place your thawed puff pastry sheet on top of the apples. Cut the extra dough hanging off the sides off and gently tuck the dough into the apples.

7. Bake for 15 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown.

8. Let the tart rest for 10 minutes (until the pan is no longer hot). Once the pan is no longer hot place a plate on top of the pie pan. To remove the tart flip the pie pan on top of the plate, serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • If you don’t own a mandolin you can always use the slicing attachment to any food processor.
  • Always cook with which ever apples you like the most. For this recipe I like to use honeycrisp or macintosh apples. You could always substitute pears or any other flavor apple.
  • Puff pastry can be found in the frozen dessert aisle of most grocery stores. When you buy them there is usually 2 per box. To thaw you can just place in the refrigerator the day before you use it or microwave it in 15 second increments until you can form it to your pie pan.
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Tres Leches Cupcakes with Orange Buttercream


Tres Leches Cupcakes with Orange Buttercream

dare you to eat just one

I created this recipe for our February 2010 Third Thursday event in honor of The Oscars.  There was a movie nominated called Milk of Sorrows, and, of course, my mind went to Tres Leches.  A traditionally hispanic dessert, it’s exact origins are disputed.  One bite, however, and there is no argument about how heavenly it its.


cooking information

  • Yield: 24 Cupcakes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix ***as well as the ingredients it calls for for 24 cupcakes***
  • 1 Cup Whipping Cream
  • 1 14-oz. Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1 5-oz. Can Evaporated Milk
  • 1 Small Tub Cream Cheese Icing
  • 1 Small Tub Whipped White Icing
  • Zest of 1 1/2 Oranges

recipe instruction

1. Prepare cupcake batter according to package's instructions. Fill cupcake liners only halfway-full, instead of the 2/3-full usually suggested. Bake cupcakes.

2. While the cupcakes bake, whisk together the cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.

3. Prepare the icing by mixing, with electric beaters, the two icings and zest together, until completely combined.

4. Top each cupcake with a little of the triple-milk mixture hot out of the oven.

5. Just before serving, top each cupcake with more of the triple-milk mixture. Then, dollop on some of the buttercream.

cooking tips

  • These cupcakes are extremely messy. The triple-milk mixture will soak through a cupcake liner. Just before serving, when you lift the cupcake from the tin, place it in an additional liner. Or, remove the liners altogether and serve with a finger-licking warning.
  • Taste the icing after mixing it. If it is not orange-y enough, add the juice of one of the oranges you zested. Make the buttercream to your liking.
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Homemade Remoulade Sauce


Homemade Remoulade Sauce

a surprisingly versatile sauce

I initially created this recipe to top my Old Bay Burgers.  Since I first served those, however, I have worked this sauce into all sorts of recipes.  Of course, it’s delicious on crab cakes and boiled fish.  But you must try it with some fried green tomatoes as well.  Use it as a topper to jazz up any ol’ sandwich too.  You will not be disappointed. 


cooking information

  • Yield: 1 Cup Sauce
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 Cup Dijon Mustard
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Whole Capers

recipe instruction

Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, paprika, hot sauce, and capers together. Stir and chill until serving.

cooking tips

  • This sauce seems like a gourmet sauce and is a delicious alternative to good ol' fashioned mayo. Also, shrimp, crab cakes, and fried green tomatoes. YUM.
  • Add the hot sauce to your personal taste -- add more or none at all.
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Seafood Cakes


Seafood Cakes

shrimp, scallop and cod together as one

Fresh seafood is always a great treat to add to any family dinner. This recipe for fresh seafood cakes is made with fresh scallops, shrimp, and cod and is full of flavor. The gremolata that is mixed into the cakes is what gives this recipe its amazing flavor. Seafood cakes can be made into little cakes, big cakes or even into small fish meatballs or stuffed into fresh pasta shells cooked in marinara sauce. Try serving them as an appetizer with a salad on top with a lemon vinaigrette dressing.

cooking information

  • Yield: 2 Dozen 2 inch round cakes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. Fresh Shell Removed, De-veined Shrimp
  • 6 Large Fresh Sea Scallops
  • 2 Fresh Cod Fillets
  • 3 Slices Plain White Bread
  • 1 1/2 Cups Whole Milk
  • 1/3 Cup Homemade gremolata
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • 1 Fresh Lemon

recipe instruction

1. In small mixing bowl add your white bread and whole milk. (This will make a panade and be used as a binder for the cake.)

2. Prepare your shrimp. Make sure to remove the entire shell and de-vein the shrimp. (Take a small sharp knife along the back of the shrimp to remove the black vein. Pull the vein out and disregard.)

3. Once everything is ready add your scallops, shrimp, cod, gremolata, and salt to your food processor. Blend together until fine consistency.

4. Drain your bread of any excess milk. (I just squeeze the bread with my hands tp get rid of any extra milk.) Add your soaked bread to food processor.

5. Pulse again together. Place the concoction in a mixing bowl and chill until ready to cook and serve.

6. In a large saute pan add 2 tabs of butter and 2 Tb of olive oil and turn to medium high heat.

7. Once the butter is melted and the oil is warm form individual cakes with your hands and add to the hot pan.

8. Cook on each side approximately 2 minutes. They will be completely cooked once they become opaque in color and firm to tough.

9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, serve hot and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I love fresh shrimp, scallops, and cod but you can substitute with any fresh white fish. Always cook with what ever you love to eat the most.
  • This recipe is great as an appetizer but you could always form into small balls and use as fish meatballs or stuff inn fresh pasta shells and cook in marinara sauce. Delicious!
  • For fun presentation I made a small mixed green salad with homemade lemon vinaigrette and placed it on top of each cake. A great way to serve salad and amazingly good.
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Gremolata


Gremolata

Fun version of a classic

Gremolata is traditionally served with braised veal shanks, an Italian dish called Ossobuco alla milanese from Milan, Italy. This gremolata recipe is a fun version on the delicious Italian classic. With this super easy recipe you will be able to create your own Italy vacation in your home in just ten minutes. Serve it on top of Seafood Cakes or any fresh fish.


cooking information

  • Yield: 1/2 Cup
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 Minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Bunch of Fresh Parsley
  • 5-6 Springs Fresh Chives
  • 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 Orange (juice only)
  • 3 Whole Garlic Cloves
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your citrus. Zest your lemon and squeeze the juice from your lemon and orange. Make sure not to include any seeds.

2. In a food processor add your garlic, parsley, chives, and zest. Pulse together until a uniform consistency.

3. Add your juice and salt. Pulse together.

4. Serve on top of fresh fish or store in an air tight container.

cooking tips

  • This is an amazingly easy recipe that can be prepared hours before you serve it. Make sure to not make it any earlier than a few hours though because you want your fresh herbs to still be fresh.
  • A gremolata is traditionally served with braised veal shank and consists of parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. This is just a fun version of a classic.
  • I love to serve this on top of seared scallops but also I mix it into my favorite seafood cakes for amazing flavor.
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Schlopp with a Cherry on Top


Schlopp with a Cherry on Top

Chocolate mousse with a cherry on top

This chocolate mousse dessert has homemade whipped cream, homemade chocolate mousse, Kahlua brownies and is not complete until the cherry is on top.

Before serving this delicious and easy Kahlua dessert cook up some Waffle Fry Burgers on the grill, it might just turn out to be your families new favorite recipes.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 40 Spoonfuls
  • Prep Time: 1-1½Hours
  • Cooking Time: 30 Minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven and follow the directions on the brownie box. Combine brownie mix in small mixing bowl stir, bake and set aside to cool.

2. While the brownies are cooling pour the Kahlua over top of the brownies and let it absorb.

3. Make the homemade easy chocolate mousse recipe and let rest in your refrigerator.

4. Make homemade fresh whipped cream recipe and set aside in your refrigerator.

5. Once the brownies are cooled, and the chocolate mousse is made, crumble the brownies into the chocolate mousse and stir together.

6. To serve, take a spoonful of your chocolate mousse mixture, place a dollop of whipped cream on top, and finish with a cherry on top.

cooking tips

  • For a lighter, less expensive, and even less time-consuming version of this recipes, you could always substitute chocolate pudding for the chocolate mousse.
  • For a heartier portion size, use martini glasses and make a parfait alternating the chocolate concotion and fresh whipped cream and top with a cherry. Or, make it even easier on yourself by layering all of it in a large trifle bowl, and serving it from there.
  • You could substitute Bailey's, rum, or any other liquor of your choice for the Kahlua.
  • The brownies, chocolate mousse, and fresh whipped cream could all be made the a day in advance and then combined and assembled the day of service.
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Hot Whiskey Caramel


Hot Whiskey Caramel

hot creamy caramel with whiskey

I mean really I didn’t think dessert could get any better but with this easy dessert recipe you can turn just about any dessert into a gourmet dessert. Hot Whiskey Caramel is a creamy carmel syrup that is the perfect topping to Egg Nog Panna Cotta, ice cream, brownies,  you name it. So go get your favorite whiskey bottle and get started on this hot caramel dessert topping.


cooking information

  • Yeild: 1 Cup of Sauce
  • Prep Time: 5 Minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 Minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Cups Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Whiskey
  • 1 Tb Vanilla
  • 1 Tsp Kosher Salt

recipe instruction

1. In large saute pan add your sugar. Turn to high heat.

2. Once your sugar starts to melt, stir with a heat resistant spatula. Continue until completely melted.

3. After your sugar is melted add your cream, vanilla, and salt. It will begin to bubble up and the sugar will clump up in the middle but leave it on high heat and whisk it all together until it is a uniform consistency.

4. When everything is smooth in texture remove the pan from the heat and add the whiskey. **Make sure you remove the pan from the heat because it'll flame up! PLEASE BE CAREFUL!**

5. Return to medium heat to reduce the liquid, whisk together, and drizzle on top of an ice cream sundae or your homemade egg nog panna cotta, .

cooking tips

  • Use whatever alcohol you like to drink or have available at your house. The easier the better!
  • You can make this recipe a couple days in advance and store in a microwave Tupperware container. When it comes time to use just microwave for 30 seconds and drizzle over top of your desserts.
  • Please be careful when cooking with liquor and a high flame.
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Egg Nog Panna Cotta


Egg Nog Panna Cotta

Sweet winter dessert

Egg nog is most commonly served in the winter as an adult beverage but this egg nog recipe is not your classic egg nog.  This egg nog panna cotta recipe is such a fun and easy winter holiday dessert.  With the fresh cinnamon and Hot Whiskey Caramel this will be the best egg nog dessert you will ever taste.

Pair this dessert with Farfalle Pasta Alfredo and Pesto Pork Tenderloin.

cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Individual Panna Cotta
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 5 hours

all ingredients

  • 1 Envelope of Gelatin
  • 3 cups Egg Nog
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • 2 tsp Vanilla
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon

recipe instruction

1. In a small mixing bowl combine your gelatin and ½ cup of chilled egg nog. Let proof while preparing the rest.

2. In a small saucepot add your sugar, cinnamon, 2 ½ cups egg nog, and vanilla. Bring to a boil. (Be careful because once it boils it’ll boil over your pot very quickly. Just keep an eye on it.)

3. Once the cream concoction has been brought to a boil add your gelatin mixture and whisk together. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 1 minute.

4. After one minute remove from the heat.

5. Grease individual ramekins with non stick spray and pour the egg nog mix into each container.

6. Once all of the ramekins are full, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and place in your refrigerator to chill for 5 hours to over night.

7. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • If you don’t own individual ramekins you can always buy the disposable cupcake tins. When you try to get them out of the containers just roughly cut each of the cups.
  • If you don’t want to serve the panna cotta in a cup your can get a bowl of amazingly hot water and dunk the base of your panna cotta in the bowl for 30 seconds or until side start to melt. Take a plate to the ramekins and then flip and it should remove easily.
  • To make this an amazing dessert serve with hot whiskey caramel!
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Cinnamon Pineapple Doughnut Glaze


Cinnamon Pineapple Doughnut Glaze

a homemade doughnut glaze

Doughnuts are a fun and easy breakfast or dessert dish and now you can turn them into a gourmet food with a fresh cinnamon and pineapple glaze. This fruity glaze is a delicious twist on the traditional glazed doughnut you are used to. Glazing doughnuts can be made fun with this recipe and with my Red Wine Raspberry Doughnut Glaze.  So go to your local Dunkin Doughnut’s or where ever your favorite bakery is and pick up some doughnut holes so you can get started on this wonderful pineapple glaze.


cooking information

  • Yield: Dessert for 15
  • Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Box of Plain Original Glazed Doughnut Holes
  • 2 Cans of Crushed Pineapple in Pineapple Juice
  • 1 Tb of Cinnamon
  • 1 Tb of Vanilla
  • 3 Cups Powdered Sugar

recipe instruction

1. In a small sauce pot combine your crushed pineapple (plus the juice), cinnamon, and vanilla. Turn to medium high heat and bring to a boil.

2. Once the concoction has come to a boil and you can smell the cinnamon, take off of the heat and whisk in your powdered sugar. (if the powdered sugar is lumpy return to medium low heat and stir the lumps out.) Let cool and set aside.

3. Line the doughnut holes in a single layer on a cookie sheet and a few hours before service top the doughnuts with the glaze and let rest in the refrigerator until service.

4. Remove from the cookie sheet and excess glaze and serve.

cooking tips

  • The glaze can be a day before hand and cover the doughnuts before service.
  • The doughnuts are great served with hot chocolate or a cup of coffee.
  • You could substitute any crushed or small diced fruit but make sure it is in it’s own juices versus any heavy syrup.
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Stuffed Cabbage


Stuffed Cabbage

good ol’ fashioned comfort food

I learned to make these for a friend who was interested in a Polish gentleman.  I will never know how authentically Polish this recipe is (since I myself have not one Polish bone in my body), but I know I’ve enjoyed it.  You will too!  Pull it out any given Tuesday, but also on New Year’s Day for a good luck meal (cabbage signifies cash). For another good luck inspired meal try Hopping John Stuffed Pork Tenderloin.


cooking information

  • Yield: 10-12 Rolls
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour

all ingredients

  • 1 Head of Green Cabbage
  • 1 lb Ground Pork
  • ½ lb Ground Beef
  • 1 Small Onion
  • ½ cup Cooked Rice
  • 2 Eggs
  • 4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Large Can Tomato Juice
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Butter

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

2. Fill a large saucepot with water and bring to a boil.

3. Finely chop your small onion.

4. In a large sauté pan add 2 Tablespoons of butter and turn to medium high heat.

5. Once the butter has melted, add your fresh thyme and onions. Sauté until onions are tender.

6. When your onions are cooked, add your ground pork and ground beef. Cook half-way and place in a mixing bowl. Let cool.

7. Add your eggs. Remove the fresh thyme stem from the meat mixture. Add approximately 1-2 tsp salt and a dash of ground pepper. Mix all together.

8. Prepare your rice. (I like to use the pre-cooked rice that I can just microwave.) Once your rice is ready, mix together with your ground meat.

9. Next, prepare your cabbage leaves. First slice the core end off of the head of the cabbage. Slice the cabbage in half. Peel as many leaves off of the cabbage as you can.

10. When your leaves are ready and your water is boiling, sprinkle salt into the water. Place your leaves in the water for about 30 seconds and quickly remove. Set aside.

11. In a baking dish, coat the bottom with tomato juice.

12. Now you can begin assembling your stuffed cabbage. Lay your leaf in front of you. Place 2 big spoonfuls of the meat mixture in the bottom half of the leaf. Fold the sides inward. Now roll your meat mixture up until it’s a nice little pocket. Place in your tomato juice baking dish.

13. Assemble the rest.

14. Once all of them are assembled, pour the rest of the tomato juice on top and cover with aluminum foil. Finish cooking in the oven.

15. Cook for 1 hour and baste half way through the cooking process with the surrounding tomato juice.

16. After the hour is up remove from the oven. Rest, spoon, and serve!

cooking tips

  • The stuffed cabbage can be made a day in advanced and then cooked in the oven the day of service.
  • This dish is usually served as a main course, but you could always slice them in half and serve on a spoon as an appetizer.
  • You can always use whatever meat you like the best. Venison, veal, or more beef will always work for this recipe.
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Hopping John Stuffed Pork Tenderloin


Hopping John Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

layers of flavor all rolled up

You know what a fan I am of pork tenderloin.  Because of it’s light taste, it easily picks up the flavor of whatever you use to decorate it.  With this in mind, I just couldn’t wait to stuff it with the layer upon layer of flavor in traditional southern Hopping John.  The result was delicious, of course.  But it sure is beautiful on a plate as well.  Enjoy.

If you are a big fan of pork tenderloin like I am be sure to check out my other recipes, Mustard-Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Tangy Pork, and Pesto Pork Tenderloin.

cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Entrees
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 2-2 ½ hours

all ingredients

  • 2 Pork Tenderloins
  • 1/2 Pound Black-Eyed Peas
  • 1 Ham Hock
  • 1 Small Onion
  • 2 Dried Bay Leaves
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, crushed
  • 1/2 Cup Cooked White Rice
  • 1 Can Tomatoes with Chiles
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, finely chopped
  • 3 Ribs of Celery, finely chopped
  • 1 Jalapeno, finely minced
  • 1 tsp Ground Thyme
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • ½ tsp Cayenne
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Pepper

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

2. To a large saucepot add black-eyed peas, ham hock, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and your onion sliced in half. Add water according to the black-eyed peas’ instructions.

3. Turn to high heat; bring to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce to medium heat and let simmer for 1 hour, or until your peas are tender.

4. Prepare your rice. (I like to use the pre-cooked rice that I can cook in my microwave.)

5. Prepare your veggies. Open your can of tomatoes and chilies. Chop your celery, pepper, and jalapeno. Set aside.

6. Once your beans are ready, remove the ham hock, onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Drain your peas.

7. Place the peas back in the large sauce pot. Add your cooked rice, chopped veggies, and your thyme, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper. Stir and set aside.

8. Take your pork tenderloins and make long slices with your knife down the loin. Continue until your pork tenderloin is opened.

9. Spoon your Hoppin’ John mixture into the middle of the pork tenderloin.

10. Roll your pork tenderloin up. Tie together using butcher’s twine, or hold together using tooth picks. Repeat with your second pork tenderloin.

11. Place the tenderloins into your roasting pan. If there is any extra Hopping John, spoon over the uncooked pork tenderloins and let roast together.

12. Once both tenderloins are prepared, place in your oven and let cook for approximately 1 hour or until your pork reaches the temperature of 150 degrees.

13. Remove from the oven. Let rest. Slice, serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • If filleting your pork makes you nervous, ask your butcher. They should be happy to help you.
  • This makes a delicious entrée, of course, but turn it into an appetizer by serving slices of the tenderloin on top of wedges of toasted white bread. Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce on top.
  • This meal is a special treat for New Year’s Day as pork and black-eyed peas are both considered good-luck foods.
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7 Minute Egg


7 Minute Egg

the incredibly elegant egg

You knew it was the “incredible edible egg,” but did you know it could be incredibly elegant as well?  Nevermind deviling your eggs, just cook them perfectly and they stand alone sliced in half.  Topped with a salty Worcestershire Whip and a fresh herb, these easy and affordable 7 Minute Eggs become gourmet. Serve these eggs up as an appetizer along with Smoked Turkey Appetizers and Parmesan Tuilles.


cooking information

  • Yield: Made to Order
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 7 minutes

all ingredients

recipe instruction

1. Cover the bottom of a large saucepot with eggs.

2. Fill the saucepot with just enough room temperature water to come up an inch higher than the eggs. (You don’t want to add too much water because the eggs will cook before the water boils.)

3. Bring the water to a rapid boil – when bubbles are constantly coming up to the top. Turn off the heat, and cover the saucepot tightly with plastic wrap.

4. After 7 minutes, remove the eggs from the saucepot and put them in a bath of half ice and half water. This will shock the eggs to stop them from cooking, as well as simplify the process of removing the shells.

5. Once the eggs are chilled, remove them from the ice bath, peel, slice in half, dollop with some Worcestershire Whipped Cream, and top with a whole tarragon leaf.

6. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • When placing eggs in the bottom of a saucepot, do only one layer. If you stack the eggs, they will all cook at different times and temperatures.
  • You can hard-boil the eggs up to a day in advance and then assemble just before service.
  • These are especially delicious with a cold beer.
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Buttercup Mustard


Buttercup Mustard

Homemade honey mustard with a bit of heat

This homemade buttercup mustard spread is so easy to make and goes great on any sandwich or hot dog, and it’s a nice change of pace from the traditional yellow mustard. It is a great way to spice up a boring sandwich by giving it a gourmet mustard that is sweet and a little spicy. With just two simple ingredients, you will no longer be craving stadium mustard for your hot dogs you will want Buttercup Mustard.

Smear a loving amount on your favorite sandwich and serve with French Onion Soup for a delicious meal.


cooking information

  • Yield: Smear for 12 Large Sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 ½ Cup Honey
  • ¼ Cup Dried Mustard

recipe instruction

1. Combine your honey and dried mustard in a microwaveable safe bowl.

2. Microwave the concoction for 30 seconds and stir together.

3. Smear lovingly on any sandwich and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • Dried Mustard is easy to find in all grocery stores in the spice section.
  • To make it easier to stir and combine together, warm it in the microwave and continue to slowly warm it until all together.
  • Smear on any sandwich and it’ll make great homemade honey mustard. The dried mustard will add a bit of heat to the flavor.
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Homemade Lox


Homemade Lox

Homemade Cured Fresh Salmon Fillet

The term lox comes from the German word Lachs, meaning “salmon”. Lox is salmon that has been cured in salts, sugars and spices and is typically sliced thin and served on a bagel with cream cheese, dried onions and capers. Although this healthy recipe needs to be prepared a few days in advance you will have the satisfaction of telling your family and friends that the delicious bagel and lox they are eating was homemade by you. So get to the store and find the perfect pink salmon and get stared!

Also be sure to try my Cream Poached Salmon recipe and Salmon Burger for some other delicious ways to serve salmon.


cooking information

  • Yield: Enough for 24 Bagels
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 2 Days

all ingredients

  • 2 Sides of Salmon (Skin Removed)
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Cup Kosher Salt
  • 1 Cup Cracked Black Peppercorns
  • 1 Bunch Fresh Dill
  • 1 Bunch Fresh Chives

recipe instruction

1. In a mixing bowl combine sugar, salt, and black pepper.

2. Cut each side of salmon in half width-wise. Using plastic wrap, create a bed of the dry ingredients and a fist full of the fresh chives and dill. Lay one section of salmon on top. Continue to layer the salmon, dry ingredients, and fresh herbs on top of each other.

3. Once all of the salmon has been seasoned and is covered, tightly wrap in plastic wrap. You need to make sure that the plastic wrap is tight and no air can reach the fresh fish.

4. Place the salmon in a bowl and place a weighted bowl on top of the wrapped salmon to create pressure. (The salmon will be cooked because the extra moisture will be drawn out by the salt and the weight on top. I filled a smaller bowl with water and let rest on top. )

5. Leave in your refrigerator for 2 days, DO NOT TOUCH.

6. Once the 2 days have passed, drain the extra liquid from the bowl and unwrap your salmon. Remove excess salt concoction and herbs, you can use a slow steady stream of cold water to help you remove the excess.

7. Thinly slice, serve and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • Make sure when you are buying the salmon to smell it and make sure it is great quality. It shouldn’t smell fishy at all and should have a beautiful color to it, no slime.
  • Ask the man behind the counter to please remove the skin from the fish and any pin bones, this will make it less work for you and they are professionals.
  • Serve on a fresh bagel with diced red onions, capers, and cream cheese for a real experience!
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Worcestershire Whipped Cream


Worcestershire Whipped Cream

an unexpected treat to top your next hard-boiled egg

Oh wow!, this is yummy.  Dollop a bit atop my 7-Minute Egg and you have gone gourmet in an instant.  It’s the saltiness you crave in a creamy little whip. After adding this whipped cream to your eggs serve them up as an appetizer along with Smoked Turkey Appetizers and Parmesan Tuilles.


cooking information

  • Yield: 4 Cups of Cream
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Cup Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Worcestershire Sauce

recipe instruction

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your cream and Worcestershire sause.

2. Using electric beaters, whip together until stiff peaks form.

3. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until service.

cooking tips

  • The whipped cream may be made earlier in the day of service. You may even whip it up to a day in advance. But you will need to whip more air in just before service.
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Strawberry Sage Sauce


Strawberry Sage Sauce

a sweet little topper

Add a splash of pink, and a sweet-savory kiss to just about any simple dessert with this super easy sauce.  Fresh herbs bring out the best in any berry, and really temper the sweetness as well.  Elevate the final course in one drizzle. This sauce goes great on Champagne Granita for a special occasion.


cooking information

  • Yield: 2 Cups of Sauce
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Carton Fresh Strawberries (approximately 2-3 cups)
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 4 Fresh Sage Leaves

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your strawberries. Clean, remove the stems, and quarter them.

2. In a medium-sized saucepot, add strawberries, water, and sage. Bring to a boil.

3. Once the strawberries have broken down, and the water has reduced, turn off the heat and let cool.

4. When the mixture has cooled, puree to a fine consistency with a blender.

5. Store, serve, enjoy.

cooking tips

  • This is a super versatile simple sauce recipe. Substitute raspberries or blueberries for the strawberries. And use any fresh herb instead of the sage – rosemay and thyme are both nice as well.
  • This tops a simple vanilla cake, scoop of ice cream, or my Champagne Granita perfectly.
  • When stored in an air-tight container, this may be made 2-3 days in advance.
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Champagne Granita


Champagne Granita

sparkle on the spoon, a dance down the hatch

I first served this as a dessert at a New Year-themed Third Thursday event.  Of course, champagne is expected to ring in a new year, but served at a ladies’ lunch, a brunch, or even a pool party, it absolutely will kick the festivities up a notch.  With a drizzle of Strawberry-Sage Sauce it becomes something really special.


cooking information

  • Yield: 8 large portions
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 hour minimum

all ingredients

  • 1 Bottle Champagne

recipe instruction

1. Pop open the champagne, and pour into a baking dish. Place in the freezer.

2. Approximately every 4 hours, remove the champagne from the freezer. Scrape it with a spoon, and return to the freezer until service.

cooking tips

  • For beautifully colored granita, use a rose-hued champagne. What’s most important, however, is that you use whatever you like to drink the most.
  • Serve larger portions in a martini glass or champagne flute; offer single servings at the end of a soup spoon.
  • Make this an extra special dessert with a drizzle of Strawberry-Sage Sauce on top.
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Quick Cracker Jacks


Quick Cracker Jacks

A ball park favorite in under ten minutes

When The Cincinnati Reds head couch Dusty Baker was on The Cooking with Caitlin Show (be sure to watch the episode) in the summer of 2009 Caitlin created this sweet and salty Cracker Jack recipe. Just pop the butter popcorn and add the salted nuts and sweet cinnamon and sugar and in just under ten minutes you will feel like you are sitting right behind home plate at a Cincinnati Reds game (or who ever your favorite baseball team may be).

Although this recipe does not include the toy in the bottom of the box it takes a few minutes and just four ingredients to make and is the perfect snack to keep in the house or to serve at your next party with Beer Braised Brats.

cooking information

  • Yield: 4 Cups
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Cup Salted and Shelled Peanuts
  • 1 Bag of Buttered Popcorn (approximately 4 cups)
  • ¼ Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon Cinnamon

recipe instruction

1. Prepare your popcorn. Microwave it or just open the bag.

2. In a large bowl add your powdered sugar, cinnamon, peanuts, and popcorn.

3. Toss together, coat evenly, serve, and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • This is something super easy that is great to have at any casual event.
  • This recipe is great to make a head of time and then just keep it in a air safe container and just keep it on hand.
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Sriracha Mayonnaise


Sriracha Mayonnaise

spice up your mayonnaise

This homemade mayonnaise recipe is made with Sriracha hot sauce and adds just the right amount of spice to The Waffle Fry Burger.  Also top your Crispy Potato Salad with this mayonnaise recipe and the Sriracha sauce will give the potatoes that heat they have been missing.


 


cooking information

  • Yield: 2 Cups
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Cup of Mayonnaise
  • ½ Cup of Yellow Mustard
  • ½ Cup of Sriracha

recipe instruction

1. In a bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, mustard, and sriracha.

2. Store in an air-tight container for up to a week, (if it lasts that long).

cooking tips

  • Sriracha is the hot sauce found in a lot of Asian restaurants with the rooster on it. It is a spicy chili sauce. If you can't find it, you can always substitute any chili sauce.
  • If you like things a little spicier you can always add more sriracha.
  • This sauce is great on anything. Use it as a topping to any sandwich or just set offer as a dipping sauce with chips or French fries.
  • The mayonnaise adds the creaminess, the sriracha adds the heat, and the mustard adds a little tang. This can be the secret weapon for any at-home chef!
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The Waffle Fry Burger


The Waffle Fry Burger

the fry is on the burger

This dish is a great gourmet burger to add to the burger world. The Waffle Fry Burger has a surprise kick with the spread of Sriracha Mayonnaise, the saltiness of the waffle fry is just what is needed to balance it out. Coming up with a new good burger to serve at your cook out can be hard but I recomend you grill up this one!

Rainbow Rice Krispies Treats and PB&J Cupcakes go great with this burger.


 


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 lbs of ground beef
  • 1 dozen dinner rolls
  • 1 bag of frozen waffle fries
  • 1 cup of Sriracha Mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 2 tsp Ground Pepper

recipe instruction

1. In a mixing bowlcombine your ground beef, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and then form in 12 equal patties.

2. Preheat your grill. Once your grill is hot enough place your burger patties on the grill and let cook for 7 minutes. Do not touch, press or move around.

3. After the first 7 minutes, flip and let finish cooking another 3-5 minutes, or until your desired doneness.

4. Follow the instructions on the back of your waffle fries and cook them until hot and crispy.

5. Once your burgers are cooked and your fries are ready, you can assemble your burgers. Place some waffle fries on the bottom, top with the burger, spoon some sriracha mayonnaise over, and top with the bun.

6. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also ads just the right sweet taste.
  • Make the sriracha mayonnaise in advance and place it on top of every burger! It is amazingly delicious.
  • The fries on the burgers may seem a little weird; however it adds a little saltiness and some crunch.
  • To make sure my burgers don’t become skeet-like, I like to cook the burgers mostly in an aluminum pan and then, for the last 2 minutes, right on top of the grill for the charred, smoky flavor. This also helps a lot with flair-ups.
  • When I buy ground beef, I like to look for lean ground beef.
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Parsley Butter


Parsley Butter

A creamy butter spread

Caitlin loves to add different herbs, spices and seasonings to everyday ingredients (such as butter) to give the dish a fun flavor and twist. This fresh parsley flavored butter recipe was created for the Frenchie Burger but also goes great on top of Flank Steak and underneath the skin of a Whole Roasted Chicken. Everything is better with butter!


cooking information

  • Yield: 1 Cup
  • Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 2 Sticks of Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Bunch of Fresh Parsley

recipe instruction

1. Clean your parsley. (My mom likes to stake everything off of the stem and then soak it in water and let the dirt fall to the bottom of the sink, but even if you just take a spray to the parsley to get the dirt off that will work.)

2. Cut your butter into large chucks and add to your food processor.

3. Tear the top portion of your bunch of parsley and place in the food processor.

4. Blend together until all is completely combined.

5. Place in an air tight container and can stay for up to one week.

cooking tips

  • This recipe is so great because you don’t have to do any chopping, let the food processor do all of the work. You will probably have to start and stop the food processor a few times and push everything together to make it all blend together.
  •          
  • Parsley butter is great on top of steaks, fish, underneath the skin of a chicken, or simply on top of a baked potato.
  •          
  • You can substitute parsley for any fresh herbs you like; basil, thyme, fresh oregano.

 

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The Frenchie Burger


The Frenchie Burger

a fresh new burger

This gourmet burger is unlike one you will find at your typical burger franchis.  It is topped with a fresh plum and a creamy Parsley Butter spread. The fresh fruit, french brie cheese, and creamy butter combination makes these ground beef burgers complete. After making this good burger you will feel ready to take over the burger world one grill at a time.

For a healthy side dish to this burger try my Caprese Salad and finish your meal with Red Raspberry Bon Bons for a fruit filled menu.


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 lbs ground beef
  • 1 dozen dinner rolls
  • 1 wedge of Brie
  • 1 cup Parsley butter
  • 2 plums
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 2 tsp Ground Pepper

recipe instruction

1. In a mixing bowl combine your ground beef, salt and pepper. Form into 12 equal 4 ounce patties.

2. Preheat your grill. Once your grill is hot enough place your burger patties on the grill and let cook for 7 minutes. Do not touch, press or move around.

3. After the first 7 minutes, flip and let finish cooking another 3-5 minutes, or until your desired doneness.

4. While your burgers are cooking you can start to prepare your toppings. Slice your buns in half.

5. Slice your plums in half, remove the pit and then slice into ¼ inch slices.

6. Cut your brie into pieces perfect enough for your buns.

7. Smear the bottom on your bun with parsley butter.

8. Once your burgers are finished just assemble the sandwiches. On the bottom of your bun is your parsley butter, then 2 slices of plum, the burger, then top with a slice of brie, and the top of the bun.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also ads just the right sweet taste.
  • Any seasonal fruit will work on this burger, peaches, plums, pluots, even pears.
  • If you aren’t a big fan of brie you could always substitute blue cheese or even cream cheese.
  • When you buy ground beef, I like to look for lean ground beef or organic ground beef.
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Mexican Spiced Flank Steak


Mexican Spiced Flank Steak

spice up your flank steak

Cooking Mexican can be fun and this homemade seasoning is the perfect rub for flank steak. After I grill up this dish I love to serve it as an amazing entrée or appetizer just add a scoop of Mashed Potatoes to a fork, add a strip of Mexican Spiced Flank Steak, and top it off with some Peppers and Onions and you will think you are on a Mexican vacation.

For other authentic Mexican food inspired dishes try some Pico de Gallo with tortilla chips and for dessert Fried Ice Cream and you can have some of the best Mexican food without having to travel Mexico.




 


cooking information

  • Yield: Entrée Portion 4-6 Adults
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Flank Steak
  • 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 Teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 Teaspoon Coriander
  • 1 Teaspoon Dark Chili Powder

recipe instruction

1. In a small mixing bowl combine your salt, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, coriander, and dark chili powder. Mix together until completely combined.

2. Rub both sides of the flank steak with the dry rub. Cover and let rest in the refrigerator for as long as your can. (A couple hours is perfect)

3. Preheat your grill to high heat. Add your flank steak to the grill and let cook on the first side for 8 minutes.

4. Once the first side has had time to cook, flip and let finish cooking another 6-8 minutes.

5. After your steak is cooked to your liking, remove from grill and let rest another 3-5 minutes. Thinly slice against the grain, serve, and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • You can make this rub up to a week in advance. Store in either a plastic baggy or an air tight container. You can also rub your steak up to 12 hours in advance and let marinate over night.
  • The dry rub is great on fish or chicken as well as a seasoning salt for popcorn, homemade French fries, and base for any pizza by adding a little oil to the base.
  • The thinner you slice your flank steak the more tender it is.
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Buffalo Burger


Buffalo Burger

a new way to enjoy the hot wing sauce you crave

For this easy buffalo hot sauce burger, I have actually included in the helpful hints that this dish is best enjoyed with a cold beer.  So, before you form your first patty, fix yourself a pitcher of Summer Brew. (You can thank me later.)  After the heat from the hot sauce in the dish cool your mouth off with some Carmel Cream Floats.

Sweet, spicy, crunchy, creamy—this gourmet burger was made to satisfy your complete range of tastes and cravings. Turn your next cook out into an easy event and make these burgers for everyone!

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Pounds Ground Pork
  • 1/2 Cup Buffalo Wing Sauce
  • 1 Cup Bleu Cheese Dressing
  • 2 Carrots
  • 1 Heart Celery
  • 12 Hamburger Buns

recipe instruction

1. Clean and prep your vegetables. Peel your carrots and cut the tops and bottoms off. Thinly slice your carrots. Cut the tops and bottoms off of your celery and wash thoroughly. Cut into small pieces. Set aside.

2. Once your hot wing sauce is cooled, toss into your ground pork. Form into 12 equal patties.

3. Either on your grill or in a hot sauté pan, place each patty down and let cook on the first side for 6 minutes without touching. After it has formed a nice crust, flip and finish cooking another 5-7 minutes or until your burgers are firm and completely cooked through.

4. To assemble the burgers, place a small amount of each of the sliced carrots and celery, followed by the burger and topped with a dollop of blue cheese dressing.

5. Serve hot and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • To save time, if you don’t have very good knife skills, or you don’t want to buy a whole heart of celery you could always buy pre-chopped veggies from the salad bar. You would need approximately 1-2 cups of each veggie.
  • This is a meal that definitely tastes better with a cold beer.
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Pesto Piccata Pork Burger


Pesto Piccata Pork Burger

One of my favorite Sunday dinner recipes in one bite.

I’d love to tell you that I have worked tirelessly to concoct the combination of flavors featured in this easy pork burger. The fact is, however, that this is my take on my favorite meal my Mom makes—Chicken Piccata, Farfalle with Pesto, and Fresh Orange Salad. Mom perfected it; I made it into a burger.

While you probably won’t be at the next Sunday dinner in my Mom’s kitchen, I invite you to make this for yourself at your next family meal.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Pounds Ground Pork
  • 1/2 Cup Prepared Pesto
  • 1/2 Cup Butter
  • 3 Whole Lemons
  • 1/4 Cup Capers
  • 12 Buns
  • 2 Navel Oranges

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your grill. Toss the pesto into the ground pork with your hands. Form into 12 equal patties.

2. In a pan melt the butter, juice the lemons, drain the capers and whisk them altogether. Set aside.

3. Peel and slice the oranges to 1/4-inch thickness, or as thinly as you can. Set aside.

4. Place burgers on the grill and cook for 7 minutes without touching. Flip, finish cooking an additional 4-5 minutes.

5. To assemble the sandwiches, place one orange slice on the bottom of the bun. Top with a burger hot off the grill. Then, spoon the lemon piccata sauce on top. Put a lid on it and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Served on dinner rolls, these make great slider-size sandwiches. Serve them as an appetizer or snack.
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Mustard-Crusted Pork Tenderloin


Mustard-Crusted Pork Tenderloin

If the oven weren’t involved, you could do this in your sleep.

I mean really, this is ridiculously easy. And it yields the most tender pork straight out of the oven. The secret is that the vinegar in the mustard tenderizes the tenderloin as it cooks, making it juicy and perfectly textured.

Serve this pork on a salty marble rye bread, or a giant ballpark-style soft pretzel cut lengthwise, to make it into a delicious sandwich. Also try my recipes for Tangy Pork and Beer Braised Pork Shoulder.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 4-6 Servings
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Pork Tenderloin
  • 1/2 Cup Whole Grain Mustard

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

2. Rub your pork tenderloin with the mustard and place in a baking dish.

3. Cook for 40 minutes or until the meat reaches 150 degrees. You’ll know the pork is finished when it is firm to the touch but bounces back. Risk undercooking it and putting it back in the oven for 5 minutes versus over cooking it.

4. Let rest 5 minutes, slice and serve.

cooking tips

  • Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy clean up.
  • Serve hunks of the pork at the end of a fork for a new and different appetizer.
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Red Raspberry Bon Bons


Red Raspberry Bon Bons

Sweet and savory and rich all over

This recipe was actually a very fun one for me to create. With or without chocolate, it is always a treat for me to work with what is freshest. To combine the flavors of juicy red raspberries and earthy fresh thyme is wonderful. Dipping them in chocolate and sprinkling them with salt translates into great fun for everyone else.

Enjoy this fun and refreshing dessert after a meal of Pesto Pork Tenderloin and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

cooking information

  • Yield: 30-40 Bon Bons
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 1/4 Cup Cream
  • 1/2 Cup Butter
  • 2 Cartons Fresh Raspberries
  • 1 Bunch Fresh Thyme
  • Salt

recipe instruction

1. Fill a little sauce pot a quarter of the way full of water. Place a glass or heat resistant mixing bowl over the top, creating a double boiler. Turn to medium low heat.

2. In the mixing bowl add your chocolate chips, butter and cream. Stir together until completely combined. Once it is melted, reduce to low heat.

3. Remove the fresh thyme from the stems. Place a few leaves of fresh thyme in the “well” of each fresh raspberry.

4. Drop the fresh raspberries in the melted chocolate and coat using a spoon. Remove from the chocolate and drop on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper.

5. While the chocolate is sill hot, sprinkle each bon bon with kosher salt.

6. Once you are finished place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator.

7. Make sure to keep the bon bons cold. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • For this recipe you want to make sure that the raspberries are firm. If the berries are mushy they will just disintegrate in hot melted chocolate.
  • These can be made a couple days in advance and stored in a covered container.
  • The thought is to experience the sour, sweet, salty, and earthy flavors.
  • Make sure the bon bons are always cold though because if they get warm then they get stocky and ruined. Serve straight from the refrigerator.
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Beer Braised Brats


Beer Braised Brats

Beer Braised Brats with Spicy Mustard and Sautéed Onions

Braising is one of the many cooking techniques that I learned in culinary school that is now one of my favorites because it is so easy and adds tons of flavor to your dish.  This beer braised brat recipe is a great when serving a crowd, just throw the brats, beer and seasonings in a pot and leave the rest up to the stove.

If you enjoyed this recipe be sure to try Beer Braised Pork Shoulder with Homemade BBQ Sauce.


 


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Brats
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Dozen of Your Favorite Brats
  • 1 Dozen Hot Dog Buns
  • 3-6 Beers
  • 4 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
  • 1 Tablespoon Whole Peppercorns
  • 2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • Spicy Mustard
  • Sautéed Onions

recipe instruction

1. In a large pot add your brats, fresh thyme, salt, peppercorns, and enough beer to cover the brats.

2. Bring the pot to a boil.

3. Unless you are buying fresh sausages, brats are pre-cooked, so all you have to do is cook the brats long enough to heat them through. Once the brats are heated through add to your hot dog buns.

4. Top your brats with a squirt of your favorite spicy mustard, and Sautéed Onions.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

cooking tips

  • This is a great recipe because you can just place the brats in the beer with the seasonings and once your guests come just turn to a boil and serve. .
  • To add more flavor to your onions you can always add some of the brats cooking liquid to your onions. Delicious!
  • Adding salt to carbonated drinks, beer included, will create more foam. So make sure when you add the salt your beer isn’t too close to the pot’s edge because there will definitely be spillage.
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The Man-inator Burger


The Man-inator Burger

beef, beer, and pork rinds

Impress all the men and women at your next outdoor BBQ by making gourmet burgers, the Man-inator may sound like it is just for the guys but trust me it will be a hit with everyone.  Not only does this burger combine lean ground beef with your favorite steak seasoning and your favorite beer, but this dish is also topped with a crunchy pork rind and gourmet cheese.

To complete your BBQ serve this burger with Sriracha Potato Salad and finish your meal off with refreshing Caramel Cream Floats.

cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Pounds Ground Beef
  • 1/2 of Your Favorite Beer
  • 2 Teaspoons Steak Seasoning
  • 1 Dozen Dinner Rolls
  • 1 Bag of Pork Rinds
  • 3 Pieces of Smoked Cheddar

recipe instruction

1. In a mixing bowl combine your ground beef, beer, and steak seasoning. Mix together until evenly combined and then form into 12 equal patties.

2. Preheat your grill. Once your grill is hot enough place your burger patties on the grill and let cook for 7 minutes. Do not touch, press or move around.

3. After the first 7 minutes, flip and let finish cooking another 3-5 minutes, or until your desired doneness.

4. Quarter your slices of cheddar. About a minute before your burgers are finished place your cheese on top of the burger and let melt.

5. To assemble the sandwich, place a pork rind on the bottom and top with the burger.

6. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also ads just the right sweet taste.
  • If you can’t find smoked cheddar at your grocery store you can always substitute with sharp cheddar or a smoked mozzarella.
  • Pork rinds may not get a lot of people excited, however they are perfect for this sandwich. Depending on what flavor you buy, they add a little heat and a lot of crunch.
  • When you buy ground beef, I like to look for lean ground beef.
  • To make sure my burgers don’t char or become brick-ettes I like to cook the burgers mostly in an aluminum pan and then for the list 2 minutes right on top of the grill for the char, smoky flavor. This also helps a lot with flair ups.
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Holi-dog Gourmet Hot Dog


Holi-dog Gourmet Hot Dog

one hot-diggity holiday gourmet hot dog

I was inspired to create this easy hot dog recipe when I got my very own meat grinder just before Thanksgiving.  While it may seem crazy, I really enjoy butcherie (it was my favorite class in culinary school), and making sausages in particular.  To christen my new toy, I made homemade hot dogs with some great hunks of pork and dried apricots inside.  This concoction seemed like the logical next step.

While no one expects you to make your own dogs, it’s nothing to think you could put this together quickly.  Take full advantage of leftovers on any given night, and especially Thanksgiving.  The ultimate Holidog is layered with my Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Crunchy Green Beans.  It’s a great way to get some veggies in your kids’ mouths too.  (Trust me, I’ve done it!)


cooking information

  • Yield: Made to Order
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • One Dozen Hot Dogs
  • One Dozen Hot Dog Buns
  • 3 Cups Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 Handfuls Fresh Green Beans, trimmed and blanched
  • Glaze:
  • ½ Cup Apricot Preserves
  • ¼ Cup Water
  • Crumble:
  • ¼ Cup Brown Sugar
  • ¼ tsp Dark Chili Powder
  • ¼ tsp Clove
  • ¼ tsp Cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp Nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
  • Dash Ground Ginger
  • Dash Allspice

recipe instruction

1. Preheat your grill.

2. In a small sauce pot add your apricot preserves and water. Turn to medium low heat and melt your preserves. Once melted, reduce heat to low.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, ginger, and allspice. Toss together until evenly combined.

4. Once your grill is hot enough, begin grilling your hot dogs. While on the grill, baste your hot dogs with your diluted preserves. (Every time you rotate your dogs, spoon or brush some of the glaze over the hot dogs.)

5. When your hot dogs have finished cooking, start to assemble your buns. Slice your buns in half lengthwise without completely cutting through the bun.

6. Spoon mashed potatoes, approximately 2 spoonfuls, down the spine of the bun.

7. Add the hot dog to the mashed potatoes. Top with a few green beans. Sprinkle your crumble on top of the whole hot dog bun.

8. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Blanching is par-cooking with boiling water. To blanch your green beans, fill a small pot with boiling water about 2/3 full. Turn to high heat and create a boil. Add your cleaned green beans and cook for 1-2 minutes. (You want to cook the green beans until they become tender, but remain crisp – not mushy.) Once the green beans are finished cooking, remove from the water; add to ice water to stop cooking. Remove from the ice bath, drain well, and add to your holidogs.
  • There may be extra crumble left over. Add it to your ham sandwiches, baked chicken, anything! This will make anything taste like instant holidays.
  • This recipe is great for a tight budget or a more casual feast! Buy your mashed potatoes pre-made at the grocery store or at a fast food restaurant. Frozen green beans can just be thawed and used versus blanching fresh green beans yourself.
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Uncle Nate’s Pico de Gallo


Uncle Nate’s Pico de Gallo

fresh defined

This recipe for pico de gallo is a gift to your tongue. Even though we have to travel all the way to Minnesota to be with Uncle Nate, now we can enjoy his “pico,” as we call it, wherever we are. It goes great on top of my Mexican Burger.

Check out my videos on how to chop your fresh vegetables, How to Cut an Onion and How to Cut a Tomato to simplify your prep work.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 1 Cup
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3/4 Pound Plum Tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1/4 Cup Yellow Onion, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons Cilantro Leaves, minced
  • 1 Jalapeno Pepper (stems and seeds removed), finely chopped
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Hot Sauce
  • 2 Teaspoons Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1 Clove Garlic, minced

recipe instruction

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and chill until ready to serve.

cooking tips

  • For ease and a better flavor marriage, make the night before.
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Avocado Cream Cheese


Avocado Cream Cheese

the spread to cut the jalapeno bite

I created this light spread last-minute to put on my Mexican Burger dish. The taste of fresh avocado ended up being the perfect way to cut through the bite of the jalapeno in Uncle Nate’s Pico de Gallo.

And now, I spread it on all sorts of sandwiches. The dish that is my favorite with this spread besides Mexican Burgers is on crusty bread with a couple slices of Flank Steak hot off the grill. Yummy on any burger. Even a treat on a good ol’ fashioned BLT with my Better Bacon. YUM.

There are so many health benefits of avocados so be sure to try out this recipe!


cooking information

  • Yield: 1.5 Cups
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Block of Cream Cheese, Softened
  • 2 ripe avocados

recipe instruction

1. Place your cream cheese in a bowl.

2. Slice your avocados in half, remove the pit, and spoon out the avocado in the same bowl.

3. Smash together until well combined. Use your hands to smash for best results.

cooking tips

  • The whipped cream cheese works well too, and is a little bit easier to mash.
  • Make sure to do this right before using it to make sure the avocados do not brown.
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Mexican Burger


Mexican Burger

a fiesta in your mouth

This easy gourmet burger absolutely became a favorite of the summer market. While it’s delicious hot off the grill, it is yummy year-round. During the cold months we all dream of Mexico vacations so why not take your mouth on one? The smear of Avocado Cream Cheese and the scoop of Uncle Nate’s Pico de Gallo will make you feel like you went on a Mexican vacation in one bite. These gourmet burgers will be some of the best Mexican food you have cooked up.

Travel Mexico Caitlin style and serve this dish with tortilla chips, Smashed Black Beans and fresh Avocado Whip.

 

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 lbs of ground beef
  • 12 Dinner Rolls
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Chili Powder
  • 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 2 Teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Cups Uncle Nate's Pico de Gallo
  • Avocado Cream Cheese

recipe instruction

1. In a mixing bowl combine your ground beef, chili powder, salt and pepper. Mix together until completely combined. Form into 12 equal patties.

2. Preheat your grill. Once your grill is hot enough place your burger patties on the grill and let cook for 7 minutes. Do not touch, press or move around. After the first 7 minutes, flip and let finish cooking another 3-5 minutes, or until your desired doneness.

4. While your burgers are cooking you can prepare your buns. Slice each bun in half and smear with a healthy amount of avocado cream cheese.

5. Once your burgers are finished cooking place on top of your avocado-ed buns and add a spoonful of Uncle Nate’s Pico de Gallo.

6. Serve and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your gme in its presentation and also ads just the right sweet taste.
  • You can make the pico de gallo in advance and let the flavors all marinate together, but do not make your avocado cream cheese until a little bit before you use it because you don’t want to cream cheese to turn brown.
  • When you buy ground beef, I like to look for lean ground beef.
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Strawberries with Goat Cheese and Toasted Pecans


Strawberries with Goat Cheese and Toasted Pecans

a whole lot of bang for your buck

Three ingredients and maybe five minutes of your time equal delicious results that happen to be beautiful too. They may not be chocolate covered strawberries that everyone knows and loves but once you make these you will not even remember what chocolate strawberries are.

Orange and Goat Cheese Crostini, Healthy Caprese Salad, and Figs with Honey are some other easy appetizer recipes that have fresh fruit that gives them the beautiful results everyone loves.


cooking information

  • Yield: Made to Order
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • Fresh Whole Strawberries
  • Small Container Goat Cheese
  • Toasted Pecans

recipe instruction

1. With a butter knife, spread goat cheese over three quarters of the entire strawberry, just about up to the leaves.

2. Toast pecans in a saute pan over high heat. Flip the nuts every 30 seconds until toasted. It will take just a minute or so altogether. **Stay on top of the nuts as they toast. Because of the high oil content they can burn quickly if unattended.**

3. Chop toasted pecans. Roll strawberries in the nuts.

3. Serve whole.

cooking tips

  • Add these to an antipasto spread, or cheese and fruit platter. Serve as an appetizer or even dessert.
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Red Wine Poached Pears


Red Wine Poached Pears

a rich design on Fall’s bounty

What a wonderful way to enjoy sweet and crunchy pears in all their Fall glory.  Deceptively simple, this easy dessert recipe will dazzle all the senses.  From the aroma that fills the kitchen to the last sweet bite, your guests will be delighted.

Pair this recipe with a Fall inspired meal of Flank Steak with Apple Cider and Horseradish Dipping Sauce and Sweet Potato Dauphinois.


cooking information

  • Yield: 18 Servings
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

all ingredients

  • One Bottle Red Wine
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 2 teaspoons Cardamom
  • 3 Fresh Pears

recipe instruction

1. In a saucepot, bring the wine, cinnamon, and cardamom to a boil.

2. As the liquid comes to a boil, prepare the pears. Cut each pear in half. Scoop out the seeds and hard center parts with a melon baller. Cut each half into thirds. No need to peel the skin.

3. Add pears to the boiling wine; reduce to low heat. Let pears simmer until tender, approximately 5 minutes.

4. Serve pears warm. Ladle one wedge of pear and wine over a scoop of ice cream; drizzle honey on top.

cooking tips

  • Always cook with whatever wine you like to drink.
  • Cardamom is a lemon-y, mildly spicy spice frequently found in Indian cooking. It may used in sweet and savory recipes.
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Chocolate Martini


Chocolate Martini

the perfect dose of chocolate

Make this easy Chocolate Martini recipe for all of your gatherings.  Make it your signature drink.  Decorate it any way you can imagine to turn it into a full-fledge dessert.  My favorite accouterments to this martini is graham crackers and marshmallows for a new version of s’mores or make it simple and top with fresh whipped cream or rim the martini glasses with chocolate sauce.

Also try White chocolate oatmeal cookie drink recipe.


cooking information

  • Yield: Made to Order
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes

all ingredients

  • 5 Parts Godiva Liqueur
  • 2 Pars Vodka
  • 2 Parts Irish Creme
  • 1 Part Cream

recipe instruction

1. In a martini shaker shake and stir together all the ingredients, mixing martini.

2. Pour in pretty glasses, or even shot glasses. Enjoy.

cooking tips

  • Decorate with chocolate sauce or fruit.
  • Or, turn into a s'more by topping with a broiled or fire-roasted marshmallow on top a graham cracker.
  • Have your friends bring their favorite martini recipes and have a martini party.
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PB&J Cupcakes


PB&J Cupcakes

feel like a kid again

Peanut butter and jelly and cupcakes, are you kidding me?  I thought of it and had to make it happen…  YUM.  It was a huge hit.  And they couldn’t be simpler.  Make these tonight.

Also try some of these other dessert recipes that have a yummy twist, Strawberry surprise, Rainbow rice krispies treats, and York peppermint crunch.


cooking information

  • Yield: 24 Cupcakes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Box Butter-Flavored Cake Mix
  • 2 Cups Peanut Butter
  • 1 Container Prepared Vanilla Icing
  • 1 Jar Strawberry Preserves

recipe instruction

1. Prepare cupcakes according to the directions on the box. One box should yield 24 cupcakes.

2. Just before popping them into the oven to bake, place a scoop of peanut butter on top of each cup of batter. The cake will bake around the peanut butter; it will fall into the cake because peanut butter is denser than cake.

3. Mix together the icing and preserves; it will be a runny combination. Top the cupcakes just before serving them. Enjoy!

cooking tips

  • Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter, whichever you prefer.
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Ceasar Burger


Ceasar Burger

everything but the anchovies

This Ceasar Burger is clearly inspired by the salad dish of the same name. It’s my Dad’s favorite and I thought it would be a good burger. Turns out, it is a great addition to the burger world.

Use it as a reason to make those Parmesan Tuilles you’ve been dying to try. This recipe is a great place to start because you don’t need to form the tuilles; rather, let them crisp up flatly. The kick of flavor they add to this sandwich makes all the difference.

 


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Pounds Ground Pork
  • 1 Dozen Dinner Rolls
  • 1/2 Cup Ceasar Dressing
  • 2 Teaspoons Cracked Black Pepper
  • 2 Tomatoes
  • 1 Head Lettuce
  • 12 Parmesan Tuilles

recipe instruction

1. Mix ground pork, ceasar dressing, and cracked black pepper together. Form into 12 equal 4 ounce burger patties.

2. Place on the grill, cook 7 minutes, flip, finish cooking about another 7 minutes.

3. Thinly slice the lettuce. Cut the tomatoes into thick slices.

4. To assemble, place a bunch of shredded lettuce on the bottom of the bun, place your burger next, top with the parmesan tuille,and finish with a slice of tomato.

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also ads just the right sweet taste.
  • Just use your favorite packaged ceasar dressing for ease.
  • You can also use organic pork when making these gourmet burgers .
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Rum-Soaked Watermelon


Rum-Soaked Watermelon

a super simple side, snack or dessert

Oh man this is refreshingly good.  This rum-soaked watermelon is a delicious way to start or end any meal.  If you are looking to feed a crowd and appear to be a gourmet, then this watermelon fruit dish is for you.  There are just a few simple steps and a few simple ingredients.

 

Candied Clementines are another great way to fancy up fruit at any get together.


cooking information

  • Yield: 10-12 Servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5-10 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Bottle of Fruit Flavored Rum
  • 2 Cups of Water
  • 2 Cups of Sugar
  • 1 Whole Watermelon

recipe instruction

1. First prepare your watermelon. Slice into wedges or cut into cubes and place in a large bowl.

2. In a small sauté pot add your sugar and water. Bring to a boil and allow the sugar to dissolve in the water.

3. Once your sugar is dissolved pour the concoction over the watermelon.

4. Now pour the entire bottle of rum over your watermelon, until all of your fruit is covered with liquid. Let marinate for as long as you like.

5. Drain, serve, and enjoy!

cooking tips

  • To make your watermelon more of a side item slice into thick wedges. For more of a dessert or appetizer cut into cubes.
  • Before serving the watermelon tear up fresh leaves of mint and sprinkle over the watermelon.
  • The longer you soak your watermelon the more concentrated the liquor will be in the fruit. If you don’t want it to become too adult you can always let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
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Italian Burgers


Italian Burgers

trip to italy in a bite

Let’s just say this sandwich is a tall stack of all your Italian favorites. A savory meatball that melts in your mouth, and a creamy cheese ravioli make it a sandwich to remember. Serve with a simple green salad with Creamy Italian Dressing for a complete meal.


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 60 minutes

all ingredients

  • 12 Hamburger Buns
  • 4 Cups Marinara Sauce
  • 12 Large Cheese Ravioli
  • 2 Pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 Pound Ground Pork
  • 1 Bunch Fresh Parsley
  • 3 Slices White Bread
  • 2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic
  • 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan
  • 2 Eggs
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Vegetable Oil

recipe instruction

1. In a bowl, cover your white bread in hot water.

2. Using your food processor, chop your fresh parsley. Drain your white bread of the hot water (using your hands. Don’t worry you won’t be able to get all of the water out.) Add the white bread to the parsley and blend together until you can’t tell it is white bread.

3. In a large bowl combine your ground beef, ground pork garlic, parmesan, eggs, salt, pepper, and blended parsley and white bread concoction. Mix together until completely combined.

4. Preheat a large sauté pan to medium high heat. Fill the pan an inch deep with vegetable oil.

5. Create 12 equal meatballs. You will need to cook the meatballs in two batches. Add your meatballs to the hot oil. Let cook 5 minutes in the oil or until the first side gets a nice crust. Flip and finish cooking 3 more minutes. (It is okay if the meatballs aren’t finished cooking in the middle because they will finish in the sauce for more flavor.)

6. To a saucepot, add your marinara sauce and your finished meatballs. Turn to a low simmer and finish cooking another 20-30 minutes.

7. Bring a saucepot full of water to a boil. Follow the specific directions of your cheese ravioli. Cook, drain, toss with extra marinara sauce and set aside.

8. While the burgers and ravioli are still warm, assemble burgers. Onto the bun, first place the meatball, top with the ravioli, and ladle on top a little extra sauce.

9. Serve and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • Using white bread soaked in hot water will create a fluffier, more moist meatball.
  • If you don’t have a secret family recipe for sauce you could always use store-bought sauce and store-bought cheese ravioli.
  • To make it less burger-like you could always layer the meatball, sauce, and ravioli pasta upon crusty Italian bread and serve it as more of a gourmet sandwich.
  • The meatballs can always be made ahead of time and stored in your freezer up to a month in advance.
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Brenner Burger


Brenner Burger

breakfast for dinner

This truly is the best breakfast sandwich, stacked high with everything from gourmet sausage, to crispy bacon, to a hearty fried egg.  Quite simply, this is my way of eating breakfast for dinner and lunch too. Anytime I can squeeze it in is fine with me.

Follow the burger directions below, and then make the sandwich really special with my Roasted Tomato and Better Bacon recipes. You will not be disappointed.  And neither will your family.  It will become the most requested go-to dish coming out of your kitchen.  It’s not just a good burger, it’s a gourmet breakfast, and the best dinner.


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes

all ingredients

  • 1 Dozen Eggs
  • 1 Dozen Dinner Rolls
  • 1 Carton Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • 1/2 Pound Bacon
  • 3 Pounds Ground Pork
  • 1 Tablespoon Sage
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Marjoram
  • 2 Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 Teaspoons Brown Sugar
  • Dash Cayenne
  • Salt and Pepper

recipe instruction

1. Combine pork,sage, marjoram, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, cayenne, salt and pepper. Mix together until well combined. Form into 12 equal 4-ounce patties. (Congratulations! You are officially a sausage maker.)

2. Crack and bake the eggs on a greased baking sheet; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 400 degrees until the whites of the eggs have solidified, approximately 10-15 minutes. Remove from the pan with a cookie cutter or baby bottle. (See Cookie Cutter video.)

3. Cook bacon.

4. Roast tomatoes just like I've taught you to do in the Roasted Tomatoes video.

5. Grill 7-10 minutes, flip and then an additional 7 minutes. If you're not used to cooking sausage in 4-ounce hunks, try cooking it just like any other one of my gourmet burgers.

6. To assemble, place a couple of roasted tomatoes on the bottom of the bun, top with crispy bacon, add the burger and finish off with the egg.

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also ads just the right sweet taste.
  • My Better Bacon recipe adds a kick of honey and cayenne. Roasting the tomatoes according to my Roasted Tomato recipe and video will sweeten them up.
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Pastrami on Rye Burger


Pastrami on Rye Burger

gourmet pastrami sandwich

My burgers are not usually like anything anyone’s seen before. As Kelly always says, they are shaped like burgers and they come on buns, but they’re not like anything you know.  After all, each of us drives by one burger franchise after the other everyday.  It’s time to mix up your burger world.

The word “pastrami” refers simply to the seasoning on a smoked hunk of meat.  Create a crust of that delicious seasoning in this recipe.  Turn your gourmet burgers into beef pastrami with this really good burger recipe unlike any other that’s graced your grill.  While you most certainly have not seen many pastrami sandwich recipes, you absolutely have not tasted a dish like this either. 

This is one of those unusual ones. Of course, everyone knows the classic Reuben pastrami sandwich familiar to any sandwich menu. Well, here’s it’s burger-fied brother. Enjoy!

If you liked this traditional sandwich turned burger be sure to check out the Club Burger.


cooking information

  • Yield: 12 Burgers
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

all ingredients

  • 3 Pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • 3 Slices Swiss Cheese, quartered
  • 1 Dozen Dinner Rolls
  • 1-2 Cups Sauerkraut
  • Thousand Island Dressing

recipe instruction

1. Preheat grill to high heat. Mix beef with 1 Tb spoon of salt. Form into 12 4-ounce burgers.

2. Combine the pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl.

3. Once the grill is hot enough, dip the top part of the burger in the seasoning and place on the grill. Cook 7 minutes, flip and let finish another 3-5 minutes or until it’s cooked to your preference. In the last minute of cooking, place the slice of swiss cheese on top.

4. To assemble the sandwiches, place a forkful of sauerkraut on the bottom of the sandwich, add the fresh burger, and drizzle the 1000 Island dressing on top. Serve and enjoy.

cooking tips

  • I like to use buttery sandwich rolls for my burgers instead of a traditional bun. It ups your game in its presentation and also adds just the right amount of a sweet taste.
  • Place a layer of aluminum foil directly on the grill to cook the burgers without making them burnt from the flames. Once they are almost completely cooked, place them directly on the grill to create a quick crust on the burger.
  • Make sure to drain your sauerkraut before placing it on your bun so as not to let your bun get mushy.
  • Add as much or as little sauerkraut and thousand island dressing as you like.
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